What is spelled wheat and why is this grain good?

Scientists are confident that spelled became the ancestor of all currently known types of wheat. The first mentions of it appear in the Bible during the times of Ancient Babylon. The culture was undeservedly forgotten with the advent of less demanding varieties of wheat.

Modern nutritionists are increasingly recommending this product due to its incredible benefits for the body. Cereals are used in dietary and therapeutic nutrition due to their low calorie content and rich chemical composition.

Botanical description of spelled

Spelled is a type of wheat (Triticum) with grain, covered with a dense film, and fragile ears. The culture is distinguished by its unpretentiousness to climate and soil, early ripening, and resistance to fungi.

There are such types of plants: einkorn, einkorn, spelled, Urartu wheat. The chemical composition of the ground grain is completely preserved. The culture retains its individual characteristics, does not interbreed with other species, and is resistant to radiation and contamination by chemicals.

Historical reference

The homeland of cereals is Mediterranean countries. Spelled was grown in Babylon, Turkey, and Ancient Egypt. Scientists suggest that the plant appeared in the 6th-5th millennium BC. e. The first finds were discovered in the valleys of Mount Ararat, and later - in the Caucasus, the territory of modern Russia and Poland.

Interesting! Spelled was brought to Russia in 1899 from the USA. The cereal immediately won popular love.

Regions of growth

In Russia, spelled was cultivated in the Volga-Kama region and the Caucasus. Later, the crop was replaced by durum wheat, which was more productive, disease-resistant, and less climate-sensitive. Now farms in the Kurgan region, Dagestan, and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic have taken up the cultivation of spelled.

Spelled grows on any soil, drought-resistant, light-loving.

What is the difference between spelled and wheat

Spelled is different from other types of wheat:

• high content of easily digestible gluten;
• reddish color of grains;
• the presence of a difficult-to-remove shell, which contains most of the vitamins and minerals;
• large grain size;
• quick cooking;
• less starch content.

Spelled is difficult to grind into flour due to the dense shell.

Composition and properties of cereals

The table shows the chemical composition of spelled.

Beneficial features

Spelled has a powerful healing effect on the body thanks to its rich mineral and vitamin composition:

1. Vitamin B1 - the main participant in carbohydrate and energy metabolism - provides the body with plastic substances and vital energy, supports the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
2. Vitamin B5 participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJC), cholesterol, supports the production of a number of hormones, red blood cells, the functioning of the adrenal cortex, promotes the absorption of amino acids and sugars.
3. Vitamin B6 supports immunity, central nervous system function, red blood cell synthesis, and prevents anemia.
4. Vitamin B9 participates in the division of bone marrow and intestinal cells, promotes the normal development of the fetal neural tube, and prevents developmental abnormalities in the child. Scientists have proven the relationship between folic acid deficiency and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
5. Vitamin PP normalizes metabolism and takes part in the body's oxidative reactions, maintains the beauty of the skin.
6. Potassium - the main participant in water, acid and electrolyte metabolism. Responsible for conducting nerve impulses and regulating blood pressure.
7. Magnesium promotes protein synthesis, supports the absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium, prevents hypertension and pathologies of the heart muscle.
8. Phosphorus regulates energy metabolism, acid-base balance, mineralization of bone and dental tissue, prevents the development of anemia and rickets in children.
9. Iron normalizes redox reactions, prevents the development of anemia, skeletal muscle weakness, and atrophic gastritis.
10. Manganese participates in the formation of connective and bone tissue, regulates the exchange of amino acids and carbohydrates, prevents disruption of the reproductive system, and strengthens bone tissue.
11. Copper participates in the processes of absorption of iron, proteins and carbohydrates, saturates tissues with oxygen, reduces the risk of developing pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
12. Selenium supports the body's immune response, prevents the development of osteoarthritis.
13. Zinc participates in the breakdown of carbohydrates, prevents the development of anemia, liver cirrhosis, and sexual weakness.

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Calorie content and BZHU

Nutritional value of spelled:

• calorie content - 338 kcal;
• proteins - 14.6 g;
• fats - 2.4 g;
• carbohydrates - 59.5 g;
• fiber - 10.7 g;
• water - 11 g.

Features of cultivation

Spelled is one of the few cereal crops that can be grown on rocky soils in harsh climates.

Modern varieties are more demanding on soil. They grow well in nutritious soils rich in humus with a neutral pH of 6.5-7.

On fertile soils, grain is sown after potatoes, beets, peas and beans. For the poor - after clover, alfalfa, legumes and cereals. Precursors that accumulate nitrogen and organic matter compensate for the low nutritional value of the soil.

Two weeks before sowing, the land is cultivated with plows to a depth of 20 cm and sowing is carried out using pneumatic seeders. The optimal planting depth is 3-6 cm. Sowing dates are late September – early November. Row spacing is 15-25 cm.Sowing density - 160-250 grains per 1 m². When sowing is dense, spelt bushes poorly and produces fewer ears.

The only culture care procedure — harrowing with a spring harrow in early spring to remove weeds and loosen the earthen crust.

The harvest time depends on the purpose of the grain and the growing season.. The grain is harvested at the technical or waxy ripeness stage. The so-called “green grain” has an olive color and is characterized by a high protein content.

Areas of application

Spelled is widely used in cooking, folk medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

Cooking

The cereal has a pleasant nutty flavor, so it has become a real find for cooks.

It is used for cooking vegetable, meat and mushroom soups, breading for frying poultry, flour for baking. Spelled is included in minced pork, veal, beef and white fish.

Slightly fried crushed spelt is added to salads, stewed together with lentils and beans, they replace rice in pilaf with it.

Spelled flakes are available with or without additives in the form of dried fruits and berries.. This useful and healthy product will be an excellent breakfast if you add a few handfuls to natural yogurt or milk.

Pasta is made from spelled flour, having greater nutritional value than a product made from white flour.

Reference. The calorie content of a 100 g serving of boiled spelled is 127 kcal.

ethnoscience

Spelled has also found use in folk medicine. It is recommended to consume cereals for gastritis in remission. The product speeds up metabolism and normalizes stomach function.

Reference. Spelled contains a lot of magnesium, which prevents the development of type 2 diabetes.

A medicinal cough mixture is prepared based on wheat cereals.. To do this you will need:

• 20 g grains, ground into flour;
• 2 eggs;
• 40 g honey;
• 2 tbsp. l. butter.

The yolks are separated from the whites and beaten, flour is added and mixed. Melted butter and honey are poured into the mass, mixed again and taken 1 tsp three times a day. 30 minutes before meals until relief occurs.

Spelled porridge with honey is effective against diarrhea. To prepare it, 50 g of grains are ground into flour and calcined in a dry frying pan. Boil 250 ml of water in a saucepan and slowly add flour, stirring constantly so that there are no lumps. Remove the container from the stove and add 1 tsp to the porridge. honey The product is consumed in small portions (2-3 tablespoons). It has a pronounced strengthening effect.

Cosmetology

Spelled has a beneficial effect on skin condition, so it is often used in cosmetology. Flour is mixed with yogurt and used as a facial scrub. Coarse flour is added to anti-cellulite scrubs. Frequent use of the product increases blood circulation, skin regeneration, and reduces stretch marks.

Essential oils of tea tree, orange, lemon, grapefruit, patchouli, and jasmine are added to the scrub to enhance the effect of the product.

To prepare a rejuvenating mask, take the following ingredients::

• 1 egg;
• 1 tbsp. l. cereals;
• 1 tbsp. l. fat sour cream.

All components are mixed, applied to clean skin, and left for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply cream. The course of procedures is 2-3 times a week for a month. The first result is noticeable after two applications.

Weight loss

Spelled is one of the dietary products. Cereals contain complex carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed by the body and therefore provide a feeling of fullness for a long time.B vitamins regulate the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, maintain optimal body weight and help reduce excess weight. Spelled effectively cleanses the intestines, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, and removes cholesterol.

The product is used for mono-diets for 3, 5, 7 days. The body tolerates weight loss on such cereals without unnecessary stress. The cereal is boiled in lightly salted water without adding sugar, butter, or milk. Porridge is eaten in small portions - 5-6 times a day. Half an hour before meals, drink a glass of warm water. Meals should consist of 5-6 meals in small portions.

You can diversify the menu with white fish, poultry, vegetables. Drinks allowed include fruit drinks, fresh juices, green or herbal tea, and unsweetened compote.

Read also:

What to protect crops from: pests and diseases of wheat

Fertilizers for winter wheat: what to feed in the fall

How to cook spelled correctly

Spelled is prepared quickly and easily. A glass of cereal is washed under running water and filled with a glass of water or milk. This amount will make crumbly porridge. To prepare a thinner dish, double the amount of liquid.

Cook the cereal over low heat for 25-30 minutes. If necessary, add liquid. Oil, honey, nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits and berries are added to the finished dish.

Zucchini stuffed with mushrooms and spelled

A special variety of barrel-shaped zucchini is ideal for preparing this dish. If you don’t find these, take small young vegetables and stuff them into boats.

Ingredients:

• spelled - 100 g;
• dried white mushrooms - 15 g;
• onion - 1 pc.;
• zucchini - 4-5 pcs.;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp. l.;
• soy sauce - 2 tbsp. l.;
• tomato paste - 1 tbsp. l.;
• salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut off the caps of the zucchini along with the tail, remove the pulp with seeds with a spoon, and chop.
2. Cut the onion into cubes.
3. Soak mushrooms in boiling water for 30 minutes.
4. Boil the cereal for 10 minutes, place in a sieve.
5. Fry the onion until soft, add finely chopped mushrooms and zucchini, tomato paste, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes. At the end of cooking, add spelled porridge and stir.
6. Fill the zucchini with the filling and place in the oven preheated to 180°C for 35-40 minutes.
7. Serve with sour cream or natural yogurt.

How to germinate and use cereals

Spelled is used for germination, like oats or wheat. The cereal is washed under running water, sand and debris are removed, filled with clean water and left for 10-11 hours. This will allow the grains to swell and germinate faster.

The cereal is washed again with water and placed on a sieve. Then spread it in a thin layer up to 1 cm on a ceramic plate, cover it with a cloth and place it in a dark place for 12 hours. Every three hours the spelled is sprayed with water, monitoring the water level - the grains should not float.

When spelt sprouts 1-2 mm, it can be used for food. The maximum length of seedlings is 5 mm.

Sprouted cereals consume as a separate dish, 2-3 tbsp. l. per day, added to salads, cutlets, juices, smoothies, soups. If it is difficult for the body to process raw grains, they are used after heat treatment.

Harm and contraindications

Spelled is not harmful if you follow the recommendations for use. body.

Direct contraindications:

• gluten allergy;
• exacerbation of gastritis and pancreatitis;
• individual intolerance.

Selection and storage

When choosing spelled in a store, pay attention to:

1. Packaging integrity. It must be sealed.
2. Appearance.The cereal should be large, clean, without impurities.
3. Best before date. The maximum shelf life is 9 months.

At home, spelled is stored in plastic or glass containers, breathable linen bags or craft bags in a cool, dark place.

Price

The cost of cereal depends on the manufacturer, package weight, grinding thickness and ranges from 69 to 190 rubles. for 500 g. Bulk cereals are cheaper than packaged ones.

Conclusion

Spelled wheat was forgotten for a long time and crossed out from the daily diet, although until the beginning of the twentieth century it was consumed in large quantities, replacing rice, buckwheat, and oats. Today, the area under spelled crops occupies a small place worldwide compared to wheat. In Russia, private farmers are cultivating it out of pure enthusiasm, but perhaps soon the cereal will be on store shelves along with millet, rice and buckwheat.

Cooked spelled has a pleasant nutty flavor and goes harmoniously with meat, fish, vegetables, dried fruits and other grains.