Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add barley, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes or according to package instructions. Set aside.

Melt butter in a a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add apple and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in barley, apple jelly, lemon juice, parsley, sugar, and salt. Mix well and serve warm.