Cooking with Whole Wheat Kernels
By Scott Davis
Wheat kernels are the simplest form of whole wheat. Each plant produces one seed or kernel (also called a wheat berry) that can be used in cooking, or eaten alone. Many folks don”t know where to go about finding wheat kernels because heading to the store for a loaf of whole grain bread seems easier.
Truth be told, wheat kernels can be found in food-coops, health food stores, and in the bulk isle of chain supermarkets. You may have seen wheat kernels in a salad bar, and overlooked them for more tasty accessories to your lettuce like bacon bits. If you buy raw wheat kernels they must be soaked for eight hours, and cooked for one before becoming edible.
Wheat berries can be used in so many ways! Fancy a blue berry pie? Or how about a hearty winter grain soup with one of the main ingredients being cups full of raw wheat berries? If you have a recipe that has white flour as one of the main ingredients, you can easily substitute that with a whole wheat substitute; one thing to keep in mind however, is that whole wheat can be a bit more dense, so take it slow when measuring out your whole wheat and if you realize you”ve used too much whole wheat, milk is a savior! When you”re dealing with whole kernels, using a slow cooker can be a huge help; you can cook your kernels on low/warm all night, and have them ready to eat in the morning.
If you need a healthy filler for chilies, and baked goods, ready to use wheat kernel is an excellent substitute. Wheat berries can also be added to salads, like wheat berry Waldorf salad, to give them extra crunch. Wheat is one of the oldest grains to boot, and yet it”s still used today!
When storing wheat berries you should always try to keep them stored in a cool, dry place. Wheat can go bad very quickly if it is stored somewhere warm. Additionally, when storing your wheat kernels it is best if they are kept in an air-tight container. This prevents any foreign contaminants or pests from getting into your wheat. A metal container or a food storage bucket both work great, and if you are keen on purchasing in bulk you could also consider freezing the kernels you don”t plan on using long term. Wheat berries can last a long time, and storing them properly will ensure that the wheat keeps its full nutritional value.
About The Author
Whole wheat is something everyone needs more of in their diet and nutritious whole wheat pancakes or whole wheat muffins can be a great way to start the day. When made from organic wheat berries they can be both healthy and delicious.