GRAINS

 

(Cornerstone of the Human Diet)

 

History of Whole Grains

     For thousands of years grains have been the cornerstone of the human diet. Early civilizations believed that grains were so important that each particular grain was said to be a gift from the gods. Grains were found in the tombs of Egyptian pyramids.

     Myths and legends throughout different global cultures sang of the importance of grains. The god, Demeter, gave wheat to the Greeks; inEgypt, the god, Ra, gave his people grains; the Aztecs gave thanks to their corn goddess with amaranth grain products.

     Cultivation of weeds and grasses were occurring in fertile regions of the Middle East over 10,500 years ago. That’s where wheat and barley made their debut. About 1,000 years later in China, rice and millet were cultivated from wild grasses, and during this same period in Central America, corn was cultivated.

     Today, nutrition experts recognize whole grain foods as key sources of health-promoting substances such as phytochemicals and nutrients including fiber, minerals, protein, and certain vitamins. Packed with a nutty flavor and affordability, these low fat foods are a culinary jewel. 

     Today, agriculture has been refined, resulting in the domestication of grains and crops, and offering mankind a wide variety of different grains.

 

Origins of Specific Grains

Wheat – Was discovered in the ancient civilization of Iraq, dating back to 6500 B.C.  In the 12^th Century wheat made its way to England, and came to the New World with Columbus. Later, the pilgrims shared their wheat with Native Americans who were already growing corn. Wheat cultivation has spread all over the world, and is produced today in more quantities than any other grain.

Rice – Its origins date back to 3500 B.C. in Thailand. It found its way to Europe around the 12^th Century, and then arrived in America, specifically South Carolina,  in the late 1690’s.

Oats – Dating back to Germany in 1000 B.C., this grain’s popularity lagged behind others. People thought it had a bland taste and that it was more suited to feeding animals than humans. However, in the mid 1800’s oats were elevated to ‘health food’ status by research suggesting that a substance in it prevented heart disease. (We know its fiber benefits!) Despite this, most of the oats produced in North America are still used to for animal food.

 

 

 

GETTING TO KNOW GORGEOUS GRAINS

           

Amaranth                       

Barley

Buckwheat

Bulgur

Corn

Couscous

Kamut

Kasha                                   

Millet

Oats

Polenta

Quinoa

Rice                                                     

Spelt

Teff

                         

 

 

                                                         

AMARANTH – An ancient grain cultivated by the Incas. It was also widely used in China and in South and Central America. A tiny grain, it is high in lysine, elevating its value as a rich protein source. With its  strong, earthy, nutty and sweet flavor, it can be used in baking or as a breakfast cereal.

To cook: For 2 cups of cooked amaranth, bring 1 cup of grain and 2 ½ cups of water to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. It cooks in the same amount of time as bulgur and quinoa. 

 

BARLEY – Full of flavor and chewy to taste, barley can be used in soups, stews, pilafs, and salads or as a breakfast cereal. Pearl barley is less nutritious than unrefined whole barley.

To cook: Bring 1 cup hulled barley and 3 cups water to a boil. Simmer for 1 hour. Drain, if necessary. It should make about 3 ½ cups of cooked barley. 

 

BUCKWHEAT (Also known as KASHA) -  A traditional ingredient in eastern Europe, buckwheat groats or kasha, as they are called when cooked, are rich in protein with a nutty, earthy flavor. Good in pilafs with nuts and raisins.

To cook: To make 2 cups of cooked kasha, use 2 cups of water to 1 cup of grain. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. 

BULGUR – It is sometimes referred to as ‘cracked wheat’. The grain comes in either small, medium, or coarse grinds. Great in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meals. Full of fiber, bulgur has a nutty flavor and fluffy texture when cooked. It is main ingredient in tabbouleh salad.

To cook: Use 1 cup of grain to 2 cups of water. Boil the water. Pour boiling water over the grains. Cover well and let sit for 30 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork and it's ready to eat. So easy to cook!                                

 

CORN – In reality, corn is a grain, though it is more often treated as a vegetable. It can be ground into different textures – cornmeal or grits. Its uses are varied: in baked goods, to make cornbread, porridge and polenta.

To cook: You know how!!

 

 

 

 

COUSCOUS -  Though it’s usually called a grain, couscous is actually a tiny pasta made from semolina wheat.  A staple of Africa and used in Middle Eastern cooking, couscous has a neutral taste and fluffy texture.  Goes great with stewed vegetables. Chickpeas and raisins are often added to couscous sauces. A light seasoning of ground coriander, paprika and cumin spices couscous quite well. In the U.S. almost all couscous is precooked.

To cook: 1 cup couscous to 2 cups water. Bring to boil, simmer for 2 minutes. Then take off heat. Let grain sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with fork before serving.  

        

 

KAMUT –This ancient member of the wheat family had its origins in Egypt. The grains are large, chewy and dense when cooked. With a long cooking time it is best to soak overnight to reduce its cooking time.

To cook: 1 cup of grain to 4 cups of water. Boil, then simmer, covered for 2 hours. 

 

MILLET – One of the oldest grains in existence, millet has been popular for thousands of years. It exists in some form on every continent. Millet is very nutritious; high in protein, rich in iron, calcium, B vitamins and potassium- a super, healthy food! It is highly digestible, cooks fairly quickly and works very well in stuffings, pilaf, and patties. Can also be used as a breakfast cereal, with some cinnamon and raisins.

To cook: Boil 1 cup of millet in 3 cups of boiling water. Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. This makes 3 cups of cooked millet.

  

OATS – Rolled, steel cut and quick cooking, oats are mainly used as a breakfast cereal. They can be ground into flour and used in baking or to give density to patties.

To cook:  Rolled: 1 cup of oats to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Stir often. For steel cut: 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

  

POLENTA – Is coarse cornmeal. Cornmeal that is organic and stone-ground can be used to make polenta. Serve polenta soft from the pot, chilled and then pan fried.

To cook: 1 cup polenta to 5 cups of water and ½ tsp salt – Bring water and salt to a boil in pot with lid. Pour the polenta in very slowly, stirring with a whisk as you pour. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Turn off the heat and cover for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

QUINOA – Known as the ‘mother grain’, it has been cultivated in the Andes region of South America for thousands of years. It was the mainstay of the Inca civilization. It is the grain with the most protein.  It has a great balance of amino acids, contains calcium, B vitamins, E, and iron. It cooks quickly, is light in texture and has a nutty flavor. Great in pilafs, salads, stuffings, puddings and even used to make burgers. Versatility is its second name!

To cook: 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups of water. Boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. This makes 4 cups of cooked quinoa.  

 

 

RICE – There are many varieties: Arborio, Basmati, Brown (my favorite), Jasmine, Sticky rice, White rice and Wild Rice.

To cook: Read package directions. 

 

 

 

SPELT – Is one of the oldest cultivated grains. It’s related to wheat and often referred to as ‘farro’. With a mild, nutty flavor, it is well tolerated by people with wheat allergies. Because of its large size and long cooking time, it benefits from overnight soaking.

To cook: 1 cup of spelt to 2 ¾ cups of water. Bring to boil, then simmer, covered, for 1 hours. 

 

TEFF – This is a very, very small grain! When cooked, it has a sweet flavor and a somewhat gelatinous consistency. Best used in puddings and baked goods. The Ethiopian flatbread called injera is made with teff.

To cook: 1 cup of teff to 3 cups of water. Bring to boil, simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

 

Information from:

“Vegan Planet” by Robin Robinson

“Veganomicon” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero

“Vegetarian Planet” by Didi Emmons

Internet