Pearl-Like Grains for Food and Craft
Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a tropical grass native to Southeast Asia and naturalized throughout parts of South America and the Caribbean. A member of the grass and rice family, Poaceae, it produces wide ornamental blades that grow upright before arching gracefully at the ends. During the warm seasons, long spikes of grain develop and swell into strings of beautiful seeds that resemble pearls or tears. The unique grain is often compared to barley in size, color, and form.
Job's Tears is perennial in warmer climates and along the East Coast, while also readily self-seeding annually. Its textured foliage makes an excellent hedge plant, and its upright growth is well suited to containers, where it can reach 4–6 ft. Plant during the rainy season in spring, when warm, moist conditions encourage vigorous growth. As the weather becomes drier, the grain heads develop and become ready for harvest.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Job's Tears has been cultivated for centuries as both a food crop and a versatile craft plant. The grains are primarily used as a cereal grain and are commonly enjoyed in Asian cuisine. They can also be used to make grain alcohol, often sweetened and combined with spices, or prepared into a milk-like drink similar to horchata.
The naturally tear-shaped grains have a small hole through the center, making them especially easy to string. Their moisture resistance and durability have made them popular for necklaces, rosaries, and other crafts, with their tear-like form carrying additional symbolism. The bran has also been traditionally studied for medicinal applications.
Why Grow Job's Tears?
- Produces distinctive pearl-like grains with natural holes for stringing
- Edible cereal grain used in Asian cuisine and beverages
- Beautiful upright, arching foliage adds texture to the landscape
- Makes an excellent hedge or container plant
- Self-seeds readily and can provide abundant annual harvests