In light of our collaboration with Duchess Farm in the making of our Einkorn Ditaloni Lisci we are here to give a short description about this great grain.
Picture provided by Abi Aspen - A mix of grains grown at Duchess Farm including Einkorn and Einkorn bagged after being stoneground into flour.
Einkorn is the oldest wheat known to scientists, and is considered man's first wheat! It has been eaten for over 12,000 years and it is believed that the first loaves of bread were made with it. It has been cherished by villagers throughout the ages for its rich flavor, digestibility, and high nutrition; containing an average of 30% higher protein (higher than any other grain); 15% less starch; 200% higher lutein; 50% greater manganese, riboflavin, and zinc; and about 20% higher magnesium, thiamin, niacin, iron, and vitamin B6 than modern wheat making it a better nutritional choice. It has also never been altered or hybridized, unlike modern wheats, making it the purest food in existence today.
Particularly of note is that Einkorn scores zero on the gluten index (despite containing gluten) which means anybody with a gluten sensitivity should be able to digest it easily. However it is not suitable for people with celiac disease.
It’s taste has been compared to the likes of honey, honeycomb, chamomile, vanilla, cinnamon and white chocolate; with many saying it is tastier than modern forms of wheat.
An interesting thing of note is that their farming is very beneficial for soil regeneration, it not only survives but thrives in soils where most other types of wheat do not. It doesn't need soil overly rich in nutrients or much water, making it naturally resilient. Growing this grain therefore supports biodiversity as it can grow without the aid of any chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers.
Have any questions or know any more facts about Einkorn? Let us know down below.
Thanks for reading!
Picture provided by Abi Aspen - farming equipment at work in the field.