Einkorn
What is Einkorn?
Einkorn growing in Utah!
Those “amber waves of grain” are once again standing tall and proud at the Mona, Utah, farm that grows einkorn grain as well as lavender and other botanicals that are distilled for their essential oils!
Einkorn is the oldest form of cultivated wheat with findings as early as 16,000-15,000 BCE - As such it does not pose the problems of the modern day hybrids of grains with gluten sensitivities and allergies.
Einkorn is one of the first cultivated cereal grains in history. Einkorn and other ancient wheats faded as modern hybrid wheats became a big part of wheat production.
Einkorn comes from an old root word which means "one grain" in German. It has a single grain attached to its stem, while other modern varieties have groups of four grains. All varieties of wheat we know today are descendants of wild einkorn. Einkorn today remains as the only variety with two sets of chromosomes (diploid wheat), that consists of 14 chromosomes in total and the only one to never be hybridized, or crossed with other species.
The chromosomal structure is also in harmony with our digestive systems whereas cultured wheat consists of 42 chromosomes, a chromosomal structure that is not-recognized & not tolerated by our bodies. It is one of the main reasons for wheat intolerance today.
Einkorn is a Rich source of beta carotene, lutein, powerful antioxidants and a good source of vitamin E. Einkorn contains high levels of protein,crude fat, phosphorous and potassium.
There is current research suggesting that replacing modern wheat with Einkorn in one's diet can drastically reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Results from a study done in Japan by Nakamura et al. (2005) have shown that in an analysis of 324 different varieties of wheat from around the world Einkorn was found to be among the least allergenic. This ancient grain in its unaltered form is believed to be among the most nutritious form of wheat.
Einkorn and Gluten
While einkorn flour isn't gluten-free, it has been found to lack some of the proteins that people with gluten intolerances can't manage to digest. Check the chart below as to the gluten content. So if you have a gluten sensitivity — but one that is not as severe as celiac disease — einkorn flour may prove to be a great alternative grain for you.
While einkorn flour isn't gluten-free, it has been found to lack some of the proteins that people with gluten intolerances can't manage to digest. Check the chart below as to the gluten content. So if you have a gluten sensitivity — but one that is not as severe as celiac disease — einkorn flour may prove to be a great alternative grain for you.
Where is it Grown?
Today, einkorn is grown mostly in Europe. When it was discovered to be a much healthier grain with a higher source of protein than our modern wheat, it was introduced into the world market. The einkorn breads in France had a light, rich taste, compared to the modern bread wheat products that are close to tasteless and less desired. Einkorn production is usually found in small, isolated regions within France, India, Italy, Turkey and Yugoslavia. It is slightly changing today as Young Living Company has now surfaced as the only major company growing their own einkorn grain.
We presently have farms in France and the farm in Mona, Utah, (see video below) growing over 250 acres of einkorn. Einkorn has also now been planted at the new Northern Lights farm in British Columbia, Canada.
See some of our einkorn products below, all can be purchased at wholesale.!
Today, einkorn is grown mostly in Europe. When it was discovered to be a much healthier grain with a higher source of protein than our modern wheat, it was introduced into the world market. The einkorn breads in France had a light, rich taste, compared to the modern bread wheat products that are close to tasteless and less desired. Einkorn production is usually found in small, isolated regions within France, India, Italy, Turkey and Yugoslavia. It is slightly changing today as Young Living Company has now surfaced as the only major company growing their own einkorn grain.
We presently have farms in France and the farm in Mona, Utah, (see video below) growing over 250 acres of einkorn. Einkorn has also now been planted at the new Northern Lights farm in British Columbia, Canada.
See some of our einkorn products below, all can be purchased at wholesale.!
In D. Gary Young's book, Ancient Einkorn: Today’s Staff of Life, he explains that einkorn has just 14 chromosomes, while modern dwarf wheat has 42 chromosomes. These grains are very different.
Benefits of Consuming Einkorn
- Einkorn is considered to be a good alternative to whole wheat, for people suffering from celiac intolerance. While einkorn does contain gluten, it’s gliadin to glutenin ratio is much lower than the modern wheat used in bread. Gliadin is the main cause for the immune response caused in the intestines. A lower ratio of gliadin to glutenin means that someone with celiac intolerance could most likely tolerate this flour. It does contain a small amount of gluten, however and may not be good for those with celiac disease. It is a healthier version of gluten, making it easier to digest compared to the gluten found in modern wheat. It doesn’t contain the D genome but rather the A genome, a significant difference because the most popular test for detecting the presence of gluten is based on the presence of the D genome.
- Einkorn is a diploid like most plants, meaning it has two sets of chromosomes, while modern bread wheat has six sets. This makes its gluten content low, making it a healthy food.
- Einkorn has been found to contain more carotenoids in comparison to modern whole wheat, which can help in preventing serious diseases, such as cancer. (carotenoids are harder to find in modern whole wheat).