Spelled: benefits and properties of a very old cereal

Spelled: benefits and properties of a very old cereal

The spelled It is a cereal that has been cultivated for about 7,000 years, being cultivated both in ancient China and in Ancient Egypt. In fact, for example in ancient China it was common not only its consumption as food, but also used as an ingredient in the manufacture of beer.

In some areas spelled is traditionally known by the names of green wheat or wild wheat, although it is true that at present it is originally little known, even though with it the bulgur, a typical food in the East that consists of cooking the grains of wheat on a grill and then splitting.

What is spelled?

Spelled is a cereal that is actually less known or popular than wheat(Triticum aestivum), although some people actually consider it as a variety of wheat. For this reason it is known scientifically with the name ofTriticum spelta.

In fact, we can consider it as a subspecies of wheat, differing mainly not only in its nutritional contribution (much greater in the case of spelled), but by the characteristics of its shell, which is characterized by being certainly difficult to eliminate.

Its cultivation goes back to more than 7,000 years ago, standing out even for being much older than the common wheat, when it was already cultivated in countries like Iran.

Despite its nutritional wealth and its great nutritional value, the truth is that with the evolution of the most modern agricultural techniques, the spelled stopped cultivating towards the 19th century, falling almost into oblivion, mainly because the harvesters of that time were capable of harvesting the common wheat in a unique process, and not spelled, making the process more expensive.

Luckily, nowadays the cultivation of spelled is recovering, especially in mountainous areas of Central Europe, where this cereal stands out precisely because it is much more resistant to the harshest weather conditions. What combined with the fact that it does not need pesticides or chemical fertilizers, is a cereal habitually used by organic farming.

In fact, thanks to it and the popularity that natural and ecological food has been reaping in recent years, it is for this reason that its cultivation has increased, recovering once again.

And what is spelled flour?

As you can imagine, Spelled flour is one that is made from the grinding of spelled grains. It stands out for being a fine powder very used for the elaboration of bread, since it is a type of flour that offers a delicious and peculiar aroma, and a flavor that reminds very much the rustic breads that were made before.

Of course, in regard to the preparation of bread itself, most master bakers advise combining spelled flour with wheat flour, because this way you get a better result.

Nutritional benefits of spelled

The spelled It stands out above all because it is an ideal wheat variety for organic farming, which translates mainly into the fact that the majority of spelled products that we currently find in the market come from organic farming / cultivation.

High nutritional value, superior to common wheat

From a nutritional point of view is a cereal extremely rich in proteins (contains 8 essential amino acids), minerals (such as phosphorus, iron and magnesium) and vitamins (especially vitamins B group, vitamin E and beta carotene).

In addition, we must bear in mind that It stands out as one of the oldest cereals, which has not undergone so many genetic modifications, as for example it has happened with common wheat. Therefore, it has saved many of its original features and elements.

Higher protein content

While the common wheat contributes around 10% of proteins, the spelled stands out for contributing a much larger amount (around 15% approximately). Further, these proteins contain essential amino acids, among which the presence of lysine stands out.

Interesting fiber contribution

It also stands out for its high fiber content, which is a suitable cereal in case of constipation. Thanks to this nutritional benefit it also becomes an ideal cereal for weight loss diets.

Moreover, the fiber present in spelled is especially soluble, which means that it helps delay the absorption of carbohydrates, being ideal in fact for people with diabetes.

More contribution in vitamins and minerals

And, as it could not be less, in comparison with the common wheat, spelled also stands out for its greater contribution in minerals. For example, the presence of magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus stands out above all.

Whereas, among the vitamins, the presence of B vitamins (especially B12), as well as vitamin E and A, stands out.

Spelled Nutritional Information

Can people with celiac disease consume spelled?

We must bear in mind that spelled, like common wheat, contains gluten. This means that people with celiac disease (that is, with gluten intolerance) can not consume spelled. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesCereal Foods

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