What is spelt?
Spelt is an ancient grain widely recognized for its many health benefits. Triticum spelta, the scientific name for spelt, is a hardier and more nutritious cousin to modern wheat (Triticum aestivum). Some taxonomists classify spelt as a parent of wheat.
One of the earliest domesticated grains, spelt hasn’t changed since Biblical times. It remains unaffected by concepts such as ‘agribusiness’, ‘cross-breeding,’ ‘hybridization’ and ‘genetically modified’ – words that have come to dominate our modern food supply. Known for its slightly ‘nutty’ flavor, spelt has long been popular as a health food in Europe, where it is sometimes known as ‘farro’ (modern Italy) and ‘dinkel’ (Germany).
You can substitute spelt flour for modern ‘common’ wheat flour to make breads, pasta, cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, cereals, pancakes and waffles. In addition to spelt flour, spelt is also available in its de-hulled, whole grain form (often referred to as spelt berries), which can be prepared and enjoyed like rice.You can also purchase many spelt products such as pasta, crackers and breads ready-made, usually at health food stores, and of course at our own online store.
One of the best things about spelt – in addition to its health benefits? It tastes wonderful! While whole wheat pasta tends to be grainy, and crumbles during cooking, spelt pasta retains its texture so it holds up perfectly under sauces and other ingredients.
Q. Why is spelt an ‘ancient’ grain?
A. Some of the earliest recordings of spelt appear in the Bible (Exodus 9:30, Isaiah 28:25, and Ezekiel 4:9). It is widely believed that farmers grew spelt as long ago as 5000 BC in the region then known as Mesopotamia – now Iraq. As civilizations migrated westward, spelt moved along with them. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that spelt migrated to North America – in 910 more than 600,000 acres of spelt were harvested annually in the U.S. alone.
Q. If spelt has been around for so long, why haven’t I heard of it?
A. When the Industrial Revolution rolled through in the early 20th century, spelt took a back seat to its more modern cousin, wheat. By the 1970’s there was virtually no spelt growing in North America, because the modern, hybridized version of wheat could be harvested and processed cheaper and faster. Today, thanks to a growing interest in more healthful foods – and the re-introduction in 1987 of this nutritious grain by VITA-SPELT® (Purity Foods, Inc.) to North America – spelt is making a comeback.
Q. What does spelt look like?
A. Spelt looks a lot like wheat, with one very important difference. The spelt kernel is tightly surrounded by a tough outer husk or hull, which represents 30-35% of the grain’s total weight. Modern wheat is free threshing – it has been bred to lose its husk during harvesting, in order to decrease harvesting time and increase yield. Spelt is not free threshing. It has to be mechanically de-hulled, adding two additional manufacturing steps to the process – which makes it costlier to grow and process. What did we lose when we modified wheat to make it free threshing? A lot, as it turns out. We made wheat more susceptible to insects and diseases (which has led to the need for pesticides) and we stripped it of important nutrients. The tough outer hull on the spelt kernel protects the grain from disease-carrying insects, eliminating the need for toxic pesticides. Spelt is stored and shipped with its protective hull intact; it is separated just before being milled into flour. This helps to preserve the grain’s freshness and its nutrients – making it more nutritious than wheat.
Q. Does spelt contain gluten?
A. Yes, but . . . the gluten in spelt has a different molecular make-up than the gluten in modern wheat. It is more fragile and more water soluble, which makes it easier to digest. Spelt is also higher in fiber than wheat, and the extra fiber aids in the digestion of the gluten. Modern wheat has been bred to contain a high gluten content for the production of high-volume commercial baked goods. The content and character of the gluten in spelt has not been modified from its natural state.
Disclaimer:
The material on this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, medical diagnosis, or medical treatment. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before making any changes in your diet or exercise regimen. Using this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any physician who provides content on this site.
