What is Einkorn flour? What is Einkorn Flour?

After a long hiatus, Back to pastaFor many of us! Why? Because pasta isn’t synonymous with wheat anymore. There are many other options, such as chickpea, lentil, rice, and others. There’s another (ancient) option you may have seen recently on store shelves… einkorn flour. 

While shopping in the “healthier pasta” section, you may have come across one based on something called einkorn. You won’t find it labeled gluten-freeThis ancient grain-based spaghetti is more palatable than wheat to many people. Here’s what you need to know about einkorn.

What is Einkorn?

Einkorn is derived from two German terms meaning single grain. Einkorn wheattriticum monococcum) is known as “man’s first wheat” and was grown at least 5,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East. Ancient wheat varieties that are similar include emmer The word “and” is a misspelling.. All three grains are considered “farro,” an Italian word for ancient hulled wheat. 

Einkorn now is grown primarily in Morocco, France and Turkey. It’s also grown in Italy. Because it’s protected by a thick hull/husk, einkorn can grow in a variety of soils and harsh climates. 

The grains of the time were these. Biblical Times. “Our daily bread” back then was much higher in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber than our modern variety. The bread was free of preservatives, corn syrup, artificial vitamins, chemical additives and other additives. Bread made with ancient grains wouldn’t have contributed to our modern diseases.

This healthy flour enhances baked goods and pasta with its nutty flavor. 

How Einkorn is Different From Modern Grains

Modern grains, in general, aren’t great for us. The introduction of semi-dwarf modern wheat brought with it many problems. I explain here. In general, modern grains have fewer minerals and more anti-nutrients such as gluten and phytic acids than ancient grains like einkorn and emmer. Modern wheat also contains a higher level of gluten.

Einkorn is very different in genetics from modern wheat. While modern wheat contains 42 chromosomes (chromosomes), einkorn only has 14 This simplicity is also due to a weaker structure of gluten. Because it’s weaker, it breaks down more easily. Einkorn bread is suitable for people who are gluten sensitive.

Dr. William Davis delves deeper into the topic in this popular book. Wheat Belly – Lose the wheat, lose the weight, and find your way back to health. You can read about my thoughts and book review on Wheat Belly is here.

A glyphosate level is another big difference between regular and Einkorn wheat. US-grown wheat is frequently sprayed with the herbicide glyphosate in order to dry it faster before harvest. From 2004 to 2017, glyphosate was used in wheat fields at a rate of nearly 30% more. While glyphosate is devastating to soil, it also can have an adverse effect on our gut health. 

Even organic wheat that has not been sprayed in the US may contain residues of glyphosate from farms nearby. According to 2015 testing, the amount of glyphosate found in organic grains is only slightly lower than that in conventional grains. Einkorn is also grown in countries that have stricter pesticide regulations.  

Einkorn Flour: Health Benefits

Einkorn contains more protein, carotenes and manganese as well vitamin A than most modern wheat varieties. It contains over three times as much lutein, an antioxidant that improves brain and memory health. Einkorn is also easier for most people to digest.

Inflammation and gut damage can be caused by modern wheat. In lab tests, einkorn had anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also high in polyphenols and antioxidants.

If you’re looking for an easily digested bread, sourdough may be the best option. Sourdough fermentationThis enzyme breaks down phytic and protects the vitamin A content of einkorn. Einkorn contains higher levels of the antinutrient, phytic acid, than modern wheat. However it also contains more phytase. The enzyme phytase breaks down phytic.

The phytic content of various wheat species was examined in research from 2023. Unexpectedly, the researchers found that rye-flour sourdough starters combined with einkorn or other types wheat significantly reduced phytic. Rye flour contains a higher level of phytase compared to other grains. Einkorn fermented on its own had a positive result on unlocking more nutrition.

How to Use Einkorn

Einkorn is available in many different forms. It’s available as whole einkorn wheat berries, all-purpose einkorn flour, einkorn baking mix, pasta, crackers, and even packaged cookies. Einkorn flour is a great substitute for all-purpose modern flour. 

Use whole grain Einkorn flour in place of regular whole-wheat flour when making recipes. 

However, you’ll need to make some adjustments to make up for the different densities. It’s a good idea to weigh the flour rather than relying on cup measurements. Sometimes the amount liquid in a recipe has to be reduced between 15-20%.

Allow the dough to rest before adding additional flour. Einkorn absorbs liquids slower than wheat.

Where to Get Einkorn Products 

The company that produces my favorite Einkorn, and which is widely available, is Jovial Foods. They’re based in Italy, where glyphosate is heavily regulated. Jovial Foods offers organic einkorn and other products like sourdough snacks, pastas, cookies, and crackers. 

You can also buy einkorn grains berries that you can use to make cereals. Would you like oatmeal?. You can buy them whole, and then use a grain grinder to grind them into flour when needed. 

Jovial has some helpful einkorn baking tips Here is a link to the article.

Healthy Einkorn Recipes 

Einkorn can be easily incorporated into a nutritious diet. Here are a few ideas for recipes. 

This delicious, nutrient dense ancient grain has many uses.

Who Shouldn’t Use Einkorn

Those with celiac disease probably shouldn’t consume einkorn as it still has gluten. However, research has found it doesn’t have the toxic component gliadin, so some may be fine consuming it. The severity of the disease may vary. (Some celiacs are unable to enter a baker).

People with disabilities gluten intoleranceSome people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may be able tolerate it. The digestibility is further improved when it’s prepared properly through fermentation, like in sourdough.

What I personally do when it comes to grains and Einkorn

Most of the time, I still avoid grains and especially those that contain gluten. But occasionally, I’ll consume grains and make them for my family. I only choose white or organic einkorn, and other whole grain grains. I’ll This is also known as sprouting, soaking, fermenting, or sproutingYou can start by improving their nutrition levels. 

I also make sure grains don’t become a staple in my family’s diet. Instead, we concentrate on fresh produce and proteins from grass-fed animals and organic sources, as well as healthy fats. Whenever I can, I prefer to use vegetables instead of grains. Cabbage is a delicious way to cook.Spaghetti noodles are also known as. sweet potatoesThese noodles can be used to make lasagna. These grain-free alternatives are made from vegetables and have more flavor. 

Even so, I still love the nutty flavor of einkorn and occasionally add einkorn pasta or flour to our diet to spice it up. 

Have you tried einkorn products or flour? What are some of your favorites and how would you use them in a recipe? Please share your favorites with us!