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What is Spelt?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Spelt is a grain in the wheat family that has been in cultivation for thousands of years. Some debate has occurred over its classification, with some botanists considering it a subspecies of common wheat and others saying that it is an entirely different species. Spelt fell out of popularity among grain cultivators due to the hardness of its outer shell, but with the advent of the health foods movement in the 1980s, it began to enter the popular diet again.

People who eat spelt often feel that the grain has more nutritional value and flavor than wheat, because the hard outer casing protects the kernels. Spelt can also be eaten by some individuals with gluten intolerance, although breads made from this grain require special preparation because of the lack of gluten. It has a delicious and characteristic nutty taste that is unlike the more mild flavor of wheat, although it seems unlikely to revolutionize human health, as proponents claim. The grain is richer in protein and many vitamins than wheat, and it requires less enrichment than conventional flour does.

Spelt grains.
Spelt grains.

In appearance, spelt looks much like wheat, with a dense cluster of kernels growing on an elongated stalk. When it is ready to harvest, the stalks turn golden and begin to bend under the weight of the heavy kernels. Spelt is also harvested much like wheat, and the grain is separated from the chaff. The chaff can be plowed back into the field for mulch, used for construction projects, or used to provide animal bedding.

Sprouted spelt is often used to bake bread.
Sprouted spelt is often used to bake bread.

Because spelt has a much harder outer kernel or hull than wheat, however, it requires more work to get the inner kernel out. The hull can be removed using special threshing equipment to access the kernel inside. It is believed that this hull acts to protect the kernel during shipping, making it fresh and more flavorful when it is threshed and ground into flour. More importantly, the hull protects the kernel from many insect pests and infestations, making the grain easier to grow without the use of pesticides.

Grain cultivators increased spelt production in the 1980s in response to increased consumer interest.
Grain cultivators increased spelt production in the 1980s in response to increased consumer interest.

Much like wheat, spelt is ground into flour, with both white and whole grain incarnations available. Many bakers use whole grain spelt flour so that they can take full advantage of the nutrition that the grain offers. The flour can be used like conventional flour in most recipes, although some adjustments may be necessary. For bakers who want to avoid the characteristic nutty flavor, white flour is advised.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

myharley

I love that spelt is such an ancient grain, and full of so much nutrition. If you don't want to grind your own grain, you can also purchase flour spelt in most health food stores. They have already done the grinding for you!

A tip I have for storing flour is to keep it in the freezer. That way you keep the moths out of it. There is nothing worse than getting ready to bake something and finding those awful moths in your flour.

LisaLou

I enjoy grinding my own grain and making bread. Spelt is one of my favorite grains. Even though I like a nutty taste, I usually use half spelt berries and half whole wheat berries when making a loaf of bread. It just seems to blend better that way.

If you are wondering where to purchase spelt, you can find it at most local health food stores. I usually order mine from a local food coop.

anon170711

Spelt flour is not gluten free. Products containing Spelt should not be consumed by people with Celiac Disease.

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    • Spelt grains.
      By: al62
      Spelt grains.
    • Sprouted spelt is often used to bake bread.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Sprouted spelt is often used to bake bread.
    • Grain cultivators increased spelt production in the 1980s in response to increased consumer interest.
      By: Johan Larson
      Grain cultivators increased spelt production in the 1980s in response to increased consumer interest.
    • Sprouted spelt produces slightly lighter, fluffier baked goods than traditional flour.
      By: sarahdoow
      Sprouted spelt produces slightly lighter, fluffier baked goods than traditional flour.