Grains
Ancient Grains...for Nutrition with Flavor
Rice and wheat, move over. Corn, step aside. Make room for amaranth, quinoa, spelt, and the ancient grains of yesteryear. After centuries of obscurity, these wholesome grains are being rediscovered by health-conscious consumers. Grown mainly in developing countries, these grains pack a nutritious punch that combines high levels of protein, minerals, and dietary fiber.
There are several ancient grains to choose from, each with their own distinctive flavor.
Amaranth – The Amaranth seed has a rich and colorful history. Amaranthus species were grown as the principle grain crop by the Aztecs 7,000 years ago. Sourced from Peru and Argentina, this flavorful grain is available in whole seed and flour.
Key nutritional aspects:
- 5X the dietary fiber as wheat flour
- Essential amino acids Lysine & Methionine
- 2X the calcium in milk.
- Gluten Free
Quinoa – The Incas referred to quinoa as “chisaya mama”, meaning the “mother of all grains”. This 6,000 year old crop originated in the Andean region of South America. Sourced from Bolivia, quinoa is available in whole seed, flakes, and flour.
Key nutritional aspects:
- 2X the protein of barley and rice
- Complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids
- 48% Daily requirement of Manganese.
- Gluten Free
Chia Seed – Chia served as the 3rd most important crop of the Nahuatl cultures behind corn and beans. These tiny seeds are nature’s perfect food, containing 25%dietary fiber, and the highest known natural percentage (63%) of omega-3 oils. Chia is available in whole seed and flour.
Key nutritional aspects:
- 3X the dietary fiber as whole wheat
- 20% higher in Omega-3 than Flax Seed
- Contains flavanol glycoside antioxidants
- Gluten Free
Spelt Flour – Referenced as one of the original 7 grains in the Bible, the existence of Spelt dates back 9,000 years to Mesopotamia. Many of it’s benefits come from the fact that spelt offers a broader spectrum of nutrients than it’s more inbred cousins in the wheat family.
Key nutritional aspects:
- 12% more protein than wheat
- 118% of daily requirement for vitamin B2
- Good source of Thiamin and Niacin
- Usually grown without use of pesticides