wheat
Also Known as
Gehun, ghehu
Description
Wheat is one of the most common cereals used throughout the world. It is also one of the most valuable cereals and a good source of energy. Wheat, in its natural unrefined state, features a host of important nutrients. Therefore, to receive benefit from the wholesomeness of wheat it is important to choose wheat products made from whole wheat flour rather than those that are refined and stripped of their natural goodness.
Soaked wheat
Clean the wheat and remove any kind of stone or dirt. To soak wheat, first wash it twice with water and then soak it in warm water. Soaking in warm water reduces the cooking time - thereby saving on time as well as energy. Further you can use them as per recipe requirements.
Wheat is generally available prepackaged as well as in bulk containers. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing these wheat are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure their maximal freshness. Whether purchasing these products in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture present.
Culinary Uses· There are three ways to eat your wheat: Whole, Cracked or ground into flour, Sprouted
· The simplest way to eat it, simply cooking the wheat as you might cook rice. Although you'll find that cooked wheat far chewier than rice. You might like the texture, you might not. It's a personal preference thing. Cooking in the slow cooker is a great way to have an easy and healthy hot breakfast in the mornings. Soak the wheat for an hour and then put it in the slow cooker the night before, with your choice of dried fruit. Some steel-cut oats, if you have them, would be nice. Throw in some spices and salt (cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg would all be good.) Cook the whole thing in water or fruit juice (don't forget to add enough liquid to cook the oats, too.) If you prefer your dried cranberries or raisins to be chewier, stir them into the cereal just before serving. Add sugar and milk in the bowl. Instead of water, try cooking the wheat in fruit juice, vegetable or whey water. Try toasting the wheat in a dry frying pan, or in the oven, before cooking it.
· Wheat is usually ground into flour, which is used for a variety of dishes - Roti, Bread, Paratha, Sheera, Pasta and Noodles etc.
· Making Wheat Sprouts which can be used par-boiled or boiled in recipes like Wheat Sprout Pancakes, Wheat Sprout Salad, Creamed Sprouts, Hot Cooked Sprout Cereal etc.
· Wheat flakes look similar to rolled oats and can be prepared as a hot breakfast cereal.
· Make individual pizzas using whole wheat pita breads as the crust.
· Whole wheat pasta has become very popular and is available in many different types (e.g., spaghetti, spirals, penne, etc.) to suit your recipe needs.
How to StoreWheat should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. Many prefer to oil it and store it. Hence it's upto one's choice. However, before storing always look out for any kind of stone or dirt. Clean it thoroughly and then store it.
Health Benefits· Wheat-The Whole Truth - The health benefits of wheat depends entirely on the form in which you eat it.
· Women Who Eat Wheat Weigh Less than refined wheat
· Wheat Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
· Wheat is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body's use of glucose and insulin secretion.
· Eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as cereals and breads made from whole wheat, can help women avoid gallstones
· Whole Wheat Gets You Going as it acts as a laxative.
· Whole Wheat Promotes Women's Health and Gastrointestinal Health.