Einkorn

The roots of Einkorn wheat grain reach back over 12,000 years ago, to the Epi-Paleolithic period in the rich soils of Western Asia called the Fertile Crescent. As the first wheat species grown by man in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B periods (circa 7500 BCE), Einkorn is considered the purest form of wheat. Einkorn wheat (named from the German word "einkorn," which means single grain) is an ancient form of wheat. Two species of wheat are called Einkorn wheat: Triticum boeoticum, a wild variety, and Triticum monococcum, a closely-related domesticated variety. It's grown as a local crop in some areas of Europe, and will grow in some places where the soil is poor and other varieties of wheat will not grow.

Special Precautions of Einkorn

Einkorn wheat is not gluten-free. Neither are other forms of ancient wheat, including Einkorn, Kamut and Graziella Ra. Although in contrast with more modern forms of wheat, evidence suggests the gliadin protein of einkorn may not be as toxic to sufferers of coeliac disease. It has yet to be recommended in any gluten-free diet.

Health Benefits and uses of Einkorn are

• Einkorn wheat has 14 chromosomes while modern wheats have 42 (Friendly to the body’s digestive system)
• Wheat gluten studies have found einkorn wheat may be less toxic to suffers of gluten intolerance. In contrast with more modern forms of wheat, evidence suggests the gliadin protein of einkorn may not be as toxic to sufferers of coeliac disease. It has yet to be recommended in any gluten-free diet.
• It is a rich source of the beta carotene lutein, a powerful antioxidant. Einkorn has the highest amounts of lutein of any other variety of wheat. Prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts)
• Einkorn contains 3 to 4 times more beta-carotene than modern wheats (Boosts immunity, helps prevent cancer and heart disease)
• Einkorn is also a rich source of tocotrienols and tocopherols, powerful antioxidants and forms of Vitamin E.
• Einkorn contains 2 times more Vitamin A (retinol equivalent) than modern wheats (Healthy eyes, reproductive organs and prevention of many cancers)
• Einkorn contains 4-5 times more riboflavin than modern wheats (Used by the body to create energy and is an antioxidant that slows aging)
• Compared to modern wheat varieties, einkorn has higher levels of protein, crude fat, phosphorous, and potassium.
• Einkorn is a “hulled” wheat, whereas modern wheats are not. The hull can protect the grain from stray chemical contamination and insects making it an easier grain to grow ORGANICALLY!

References

• Pizzuti, D.; Buda, A.; d'Odorico, A.; d'Incà, R.; Chiarelli, S.; Curioni, A.; Martines, D. (2006). "Lack of intestinal mucosal toxicity of Triticum monococcum in celiac disease patients". Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 41 (11): 1305–1311. doi:10.1080/00365520600699983. PMID 17060124.