More and more often, people are rediscovering ancient foods that have been lost in the depths of time, their qualities unused for long periods of history. Such a crop is spelt, which is the predecessor of today's wheat.
Since spelt enters the human diet as an alternative healthy food, information about it is a necessity.
Description of spelt and its product spelt flour
Spelt is an ancient grain, very similar in appearance to its successor wheat. The relationship between the two crops is also botanical, and the difference lies in the harder shell that protects the nutrients inside the grain.
Flour prepared from spelt by grinding has a nutty and slightly sweet taste and is suitable for preparing any food that require whole grain flour. It has the nutritional composition of other whole grain flours.
Nutritional composition of spelt flour
Spelt contains slightly higher amounts of protein than wheat. In wheat, protein is 12 percent of the composition, while in spelt it is 15 percent. Like wheat, spelt also contains gluten, so its flour is not a gluten-free product.
Spelt flour contains slightly more carbohydrates than wheat, it is 67% compared to 60% in wheat flour. However, the amount of fiber in spelt flour is more than in wheat.
In terms of minerals, spelt is very similar to wheat, containing good amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, manganese and also vitamin E and B complex vitamins, especially niacin. The fats are low.
Uses and benefits of spelt flour
Spelt flour is a healthy food product. It serves to introduce more whole grain fiber into the diet. Thanks to the fiber and trace elements and vitamins, spelt flour supports the health of the digestive system.
The intestinal microbiome is important for intestinal health, and spelt flour keeps the bacteria in the digestive system healthy, reducing inflammation in the body.
Consuming spelt flour also reduces the risk of diabetes because it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
It is used in bread and bakery products, pastries and pasta.
See also how to make spelt bread, delicious spelt sponge cake or this healthy spelt milk.
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