Spelt
the Ancient Grain
Spelt
is an ancient grain that was grown in Ancient Egypt
more than nine thousand years ago. Spelt is among
the first grains known to man and is mentioned in
the Old
Testament in Exodus 9:31 and Ezekiel 4:9.
From
Ancient Egypt, spelt migrated to Europe by way of the northern shore of the Black
Sea and became established in southern Germany and
Switzerland (1800-1200BC).
Spelt
was the principle grain of southern England by 500
BC. From Europe Swiss immigrants took the grain to
Ohio, USA in around 1770 AD.
In time spelt was grown across the United States until
it was abandoned in favour of modern wheat varieties.
The
modern varieties were chosen as they were suited to
modern highly water-soluble fertilisers and the yields
were higher.
Recently
spelt has re-emerged as a popular milling grain because
of its health benefits.
Health
Benefits of Spelt
Spelt is a popular and healthy product for the following
reasons:
Baking
With Spelt
Baking with spelt flour is similar to baking with
wheat flour. Spelt flour actually makes excellent
bread. It is nothing like rice bread etc which is
usually quite unappealing. The spelt bread is usually
moist and has a nutty flavour.
Growing
Spelt
Spelt is a relatively low yielding grain that is planted
early on well prepared soil and harvested late. At
harvest the grain will not all thrash and will need
to be de-hulled later. For these reasons spelt is
an expensive grain to purchase.
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