What is Spelt

Have You Heard of Spelt Grain Before?

I've been experimenting with spelt for about two years now and since I learned about it, I realized that lots of people have no clue what I am talking about when I tell them about baking with spelt. I want to share recipes, ideas, and general information with you so you can say "Now I know!"

What is Spelt?

And where did spelt come from?

Spelt is a grain that came from long ago and far away. In fact, it is mentioned in the Bible. (Ezekiel refers to it as fitches.) Spelt is hardy, meaning it has a protective husk as it grows and can withstand pollutants and even insect invasions. (No pesticides need to be used as it grows.)

Spelt is an excellent source of essential nutrients. To name a few: Thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, as well as B vitamins, complex carbohydrates, the ever popular fiber component and it is even high in protein. (Talk about spelt being a great addition to your diet!)

Now that you know that spelt is a grain. You might wonder why it isn't as popular as other grains. Well, since spelt has that protective husk, it takes extra work to take the husk (hull) off. So, it is easier and less expensive to grow and process other grains. Studies show that spelt is really better for you though. We haven't seen hybrid versions of spelt like other wheats. Spelt is still in its original form.

5 Reasons to Love Spelt

Spelt contains more proteins, amino acids, B vitamins and minerals all in one as compared to hybridized wheat.
Spelt contains non-allergenic properties.
Spelt is compatible with all blood types when you "Eat Right for Your Blood Type"
Spelt's nutty flavor makes everything better.
And best of all, who doesn't love fresh bread right out of the oven? (whether or not you should eat it)

Great Spelt Recipes

These come highly recommended...

The Spelt Cookbook

Beautiful Bread Baking wi...

Spelt Healthy! Quality Wh...

Why Eat Spelt?

Why is Spelt so good?

You have probably figured out by now that spelt is edible. Spelt adds a unique nutty flavor to your foods when you use it. Some people use spelt just for that reason.

It makes wonderful cereal (whole grain), bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies... just about whatever you want to try.

I prefer to substitute at least half, if not more, of the flour called for in a recipe with spelt flour. The spelt flour adds an added "mystery" (nutty) flavor as well as a lighter element to many baked goods. (My bread is beautiful these days.)

One other bonus is that both spelt and spelt flour are remarkably water soluble. Your body is able to easily digest it. (Regular wheat - hard red, soft white, and the like - are pretty hard on your insides causing discomfort, indigestion, and even gas when you eat wheat products. Have you ever noticed any side effects?)

Please note that spelt does contain a fragile gluten and should not be used with a strict gluten-free diet.

Curious About Spelt

How much do you know about spelt?

I am curious how much you know about spelt and would love your feedback. Please participate in our poll.

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Food Storage Blog

Be prepared for anytime you need food or supplies.

Learn more about storing spelt, wheat and other foods - how to do and and some new ideas to storing food.

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Best Spelt Cereal Recipe

Spelt Cereal

Coarse-grind spelt (into cracked spelt). Measure 1/4 cup cracked spelt, in a pan, cover the spelt with 1 1/2 cups water and a dash of salt. Bring to a rapid boil for 1 minute, stirring often. Then simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with cinnamon, brown sugar and/or honey or anything else that sounds appetizing.

A variation of this recipe allows the chef to take the same ingredients the night before eating - bring them to a boil for 3-4 minutes. Cover and let sit over night. The next morning, warm the cereal in the microwave or on the stove until warm and season to taste.

p.s. For more great recipes, go to http://www.histakes-spelt.com/recipes.php

"For the healthiest bread, use freshly milled flour."

Authors suggest most diets can eat spelt

Spelt is a "neutral" kind of food for blood type diets.

Eat Right 4 Your Type: Th...

Cook Right 4 Your Type: T...

Eat Right for Your Type C...

The Great American Eat-Ri...

Understanding Spelt

Spelt is a non-allergenic, healthy and even tasty alternative to wheat that most people can eat.
Use it in abundance.

Pans for Making Fresh Spelt Bread... Yummmm!

Or you can make spelt pizza dough, or cinnamon rolls. The possibilities end with your imagination.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Loaf Pan

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/10/2009)

Chicago Metallic Commercial 1-1/2-Pound Loaf Pan

Amazon Price: $15.50 (as of 07/10/2009)

Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick 1-Pound Loaf Pan

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/10/2009)

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Bakeware 14-Inch Pizza Pan

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 07/10/2009)

Bialetti 4-Piece Pizza Stone Set

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/10/2009)

Excellent Spelt Resources

Spelt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Spelt From Wikipedia - learn all the basics about spelt.
Food pH List - Balancing Acid/Alkaline Foods: Lists of acid-producing and alkaline-producing foods, to help you plan a balanced and healthy diet.
The World's Healthiest Foods: Non-profit foundation providing reliable, scientifically accurate, personalized information for convenient and enjoyable healthy eating.
Spelt - What is Spelt? - Is Spelt the Same as Wheat?: Spelt is an ancient grain, and spelt is sort of the grandfather of wheat as we know it today. What is spelt and how can spelt be part of a healthy diet?
HiStakes Spelt, Spelt Flour and Bread Making Accessories - Raised Herbicide Free!: Find recipes to use as you mill your own spelt flour with Nutrimill or Wondermill grain mills and make your own nutrient-filled spelt bread with a Bosch Universal Plus. Herbicide free spelt grown naturally by Idaho farmers.

Spelt Lovers - What do you think?

What is your favorite way to use spelt?

Lensmaster

farmgirl wrote...

I've never heard of TJ's spelt with red and green peppers, nor have I heard of TJ's. Is that what I get for living far away in a small town?

Posted October 19, 2008

Lensmaster

queen11

PLEASE bring back TJ's Spelt with Red & Green Peppers. And PLEASE bring your store to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Posted October 19, 2008

Lensmaster

eatright45

Hey There,

On Spelt, check out this great new baking company in Yarmouth, Maine...Spelt Right Baking. They make all spelt goods...bagels, pizza dough, and breads. The stuff is healthy and really savory. www.speltrightbaking.com

Posted September 06, 2008

Lensmaster

maskasdorf

Regarding Trader Joe's packaged spelt mix... I just found out TJ is no longer carrying it...apparently it was not a big seller. I called all the local stores, and their supply is totally gone. I'm devastated!

They had a recipe on the side of the box that was to die for... Grilled portobello mushrooms and spelt salad - it had balsamic vinegar, green onions, and tart cherries from what I remember. I could try to remake it, but it already had the seasonings and dried green and red peppers in it, so I'm sure it won't be the same. I'm thinking of writing Trader Joe's a letter to ask them to bring it back..!

Posted August 25, 2008

Lensmaster

KimGiancaterino wrote...

Trader Joe's makes a packaged spelt mix with red and green peppers that I've been meaning to try. I use spelt pastas and breads (also from TJ's). Welcome to Culinary Favorites From A to Z. I'm also giving your lens a Squid Angel Blessing.

Posted July 21, 2008

Lensmaster

KimGiancaterino wrote...

Trader Joe's makes a packaged spelt mix with red and green pappers that I've been meaning to try. I use spelt pastas and breads (also from TJ's). Welcome to Culinary Favorites From A to Z. I'm also giving your lens a Squid Angel Blessing.

Posted July 21, 2008

Lensmaster

farmgirl wrote...

I have not tried Ezekiel bread, yet. I just don't quite get around to it. However, I have a brother-in-law who makes a hot cereal with the Ezekiel Bread ingredients and he enjoys that!
Nice lens on Ezekiel bread - I liked it. http://www.squidoo.com/ezekielbread

Posted July 16, 2008