What is spelled wheat and what is good about this cereal

Scientists are sure that spelled has become the progenitor of all currently known wheat species. The first mentions of it appear in the Bible during the time of Ancient Babylon. The culture was undeservedly forgotten with the advent of less demanding wheat varieties.

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

Botanical description of spelled

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

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

Historical reference

Homeland of cereal - Mediterranean countries... Spelled was grown in Babylon, Turkey, Ancient Egypt. Scientists suggest that the plant appeared in the VI-V millennium BC. e. The first finds were found in the valleys of Mount Ararat, and later in the Caucasus, the territory of modern Russia and Poland.

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

Growing regions

In Russia spelled was cultivated in the Volga-Kama region and the Caucasus... Later, the crop was supplanted by the more productive, disease-resistant and less demanding durum wheat. 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 tolerant, light-requiring.

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 hard-to-peel shell, which contains most of the vitamins and minerals;
• large grain size;
• quick cooking;
• lower starch content.

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

The composition and properties of cereals

The table shows the chemical composition of spelled.

Beneficial features

Spelled has a powerful healing effect on the body due 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 work of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
2. Vitamin B5 participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJU), cholesterol, supports the production of a number of hormones, red blood cells, the adrenal cortex, promotes the absorption of amino acids and sugars.
3. Vitamin B6 supports immunity, the work of the central nervous system, the synthesis of erythrocytes, and prevents anemia.
4. Vitamin B9 participates in the division of cells in the bone marrow, intestines, contributes to the normal development of the neural tube of the fetus, prevents anomalies in the development of 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 oxidative reactions of the body, maintains the beauty of the skin.
6. Potassium - the main participant in water, acid and electrolyte metabolism. Responsible for conducting nerve impulses, regulates blood pressure.
7. Magnesium promotes the synthesis of proteins, supports the absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium, prevents hypertension and cardiac muscle pathologies.
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, atrophic gastritis.
10. Manganese participates in the formation of connective and bone tissues, regulates the exchange of amino acids and carbohydrates, prevents disorders of the reproductive system, strengthens bone tissue.
11. Copper participates in the processes of assimilation 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.

Growing features

Spelled is one of the few cereals that can be grown on rocky soils in a harsh climate.

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

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

Two weeks before sowing, the land is plowed to a depth of 20 cm and sowing with pneumatic seeders. The optimum seeding depth is 3-6 cm. Sowing dates are late September - early November. Row spacing - 15-25 cm. Sowing density - 160-250 grains per 1 m². With a thickened sowing, the spelled does not bush well and gives less ears.

The only treatment for the culture - harrowing with a spring harrow in early spring to remove weeds and loosen the earth 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 phase. The so-called "green grain" has an olive color and a high protein content.

Applications

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

Cooking

The groats have a pleasant nutty flavor, so it became a real boon for culinary specialists.

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

Slightly fried chopped spelled is added to salads, stewed with lentils and beans, replace it with rice in pilaf.

There are spelled flakes on the market with or without dried fruits and berries... This healthy and healthy product makes a great breakfast when you add a few handfuls to natural yogurt or milk.

Pasta is made from spelled flourwhich are more nutritious than white flour products.

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

ethnoscience

Spelled has found application in traditional medicine... It is recommended to use groats for gastritis in remission. The product speeds up metabolism and normalizes the stomach.

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

A therapeutic mixture for cough is prepared on the basis of wheat groats... This will require:

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

Separate the yolks from the whites and beat, add flour and mix. Melted butter and honey are poured into the mass, mixed again and taken three times a day, 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals until the condition is relieved.

Spelled porridge with honey is effective against diarrhea... For its preparation, 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. The container is removed from the stove and put into the porridge 1 tsp. honey. The tool is used in small portions (2-3 tbsp. L.). It has a pronounced fixing effect.

Cosmetology

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

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

To prepare a rejuvenating mask, take such ingredients:

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

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

Weight loss

Spelled is included in the dietary products... Groats contain complex carbohydrates, which 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 digestive system, and removes cholesterol.

The product is used for mono-diets for 3, 5, 7 days. Losing weight on such a croup is tolerated by the body without unnecessary stress. The groats are boiled in lightly salted water without adding sugar, butter, 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 small meals.

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

Read also:

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How to cook spelled correctly

Spelled is prepared quickly and easily... A glass of cereal is washed under running water and poured into a glass of water or milk. From this amount, a crumbly porridge will turn out.To prepare a liquid dish, the amount of liquid is doubled.

The groats are boiled 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 zucchini in the form of barrels is ideal for preparing this dish. If you don't find such, take small young vegetables and stuff them in the form of boats.

Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

1. For zucchini, cut off the lids with the tail, remove the pulp with seeds with a spoon, chop.
2. Dice the onion.
3. Soak the mushrooms in boiling water for 30 minutes.
4. Boil the groats for 10 minutes, put them on a sieve.
5. Fry the onions until soft, add finely chopped mushrooms and zucchini, tomato paste, soy sauce, salt, pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes. At the end of cooking, put in the porridge and stir.
6. Fill the zucchini with the filling, put 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 use for germination, like oats or wheat... The groats are washed under running water, sand and debris are selected, filled with clean water and left for 10-11 hours. So the grains will swell and germinate faster.

The groats are washed again with water and discarded on a sieve. Then spread in a thin layer up to 1 cm on a ceramic plate, cover with a cloth and put 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 the spelled sprouts 1-2 mm, it can be used as food... The maximum length of seedlings is 5 mm.

Sprouted groats use as an independent dish for 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

If you follow the recommendations for the use of spelled, it does not harm the body.

Direct contraindications:

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

Selection and storage

When choosing a spelled in a store, pay attention to:

1. Integrity of the packaging. It must be sealed.
2. Appearance. The groats should be large, clean, free of impurities.
3. Shelf life. The maximum shelf life is 9 months.

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

Price

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

Conclusion

Spelled wheat was forgotten for a long time and was deleted from the daily diet, although until the beginning of the 20th century it was consumed in large quantities, replacing rice, buckwheat, oats. Today, spelled crops occupy an insignificant place in the world compared to wheat. In Russia, private farms are engaged in its cultivation on pure enthusiasm, but, perhaps, soon cereals will be on store shelves on a par with millet, rice and buckwheat.

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