What's Up with Wheat Berries?
This whole grain is "berry" tasty and nutritious. Here's why you should put be whipping up wheat berries for dinner!
Technically not a berry at all, this whole grain is actually the kernel of the wheat plant- you know, the stuff that whole wheat flour is ground from. As a whole grain, only the hull is removed (we can’t digest that part any way) leaving behind the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Refined wheat contains only the endosperm, making it significantly lower in fiber, protein, and essential B vitamins. A diet rich in whole grains (and fiber) has been linked to healthy cholesterol levels, digestive balance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like stroke and heart disease- just ask the American Heart Association.
Beyond nutrition, whole wheat berries bring bold nutty flavors and an idiosynchratic chew to the table; upon being cooked they’re known to be bouncy, like tiny edible ping pong balls. In our neck of the woods, we sometimes add wheat berries to salads, breads, and soups, but other parts of the world have really latched on to this wonder-grain; a porridge dish called Kutya is traditionally served for the wintry holiday season in Eastern Europe.
Ready to jump on this whole grain train? Here are a few recipes to try: