Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Wheat Berries: replacing the meat with the wheat

Ever heard of wheat berries? 
Cooking wheat berries?
Eating wheat berries?
Let me share with you the amazing nutritional value of wheat berries.
The germ of the wheat contains important nutrients such as vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc and copper. It also contains co-enzyme Q10.
Like most whole grains, wheat berries are high in fiber, which is good for your digestive system. It is also great in lowering cholesterol and
blood sugar levels.

***There is a lot more info on the web if you like more specific***

And here how to cook the wheat berries.
I soak the wheat berries overnight in water and apple cider vinegar (a couple of tablespoons)...this process is called "fermenting". It helps to break down the wheat and make it more digestible for humans.
***I also add apple cider vinegar to the water when I soak dry beans...to de-gas them***
In the morning I drain the water-vinegar mixture and add fresh water, bring to boil and cook for 1 hour.
You can keep in the fridge for several days or you could freeze it and use it for later on.
2 cups of dry wheat berries will make over 4 cups of cooked ones.
When cooked they retain a "chewy" texture great if replacing the meat with the wheat!

I have been experimenting with replacing partially or totally the meat in recipes. 
I will share those soon!


Stay Frugal,
Daniela

Linking to
At the Picket Fence





7 comments:

Unknown said...

Never tried them but I would probably like them since I'm a grain fan. Look forward to seeing your recipes.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

This looks like a smart way to eat. I've never noticed wheat grain anywhere. I can see tons of ways to include wheat in a menu!

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

Things that make you go hmmmm...I had no idea. Thanks for the informative post. I am interested to see your recipes.

Revi said...

I see them at the natural grocer, but haven't tried them. I will try them, and your tip about adding vinegar to the soaking water. I soak my beans for 2 days, and it really helps with the gas factor. If vinegar adds to the effect, all the better! I love beans, and make a different type every week. Maybe you could share some recipes you like using wheat berries?
Thanks,
-Revi

Cristina Garay said...

At first I thought it was Barley! I have never tried wheat berries, they sure are worth the try!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

I have not heard of them. I use oat groats a lot for cooking. I will look for the wheat berries :)

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Yes, in Atlanta we can buy Farro, I use for years already Farro for wheatberry salad. It is a very healthy food and I love to use it!
Thanks for explaining more about the soaking as most American recipes don't mention this!
Hugs,
Mariette