Heritage grains are making a significant impact in kitchens and on farms. These ancient grains have been grown for thousands of years. Unlike modern grains, heritage grains have not been changed by hybridization or genetic modification. This makes them purer and often more beneficial for both health and the environment.
Choosing to bake with heritage grains is a tasty way to enjoy their unique textures and flavours. These grains come in various types, such as spelt, einkorn, emmer, and Marquis Wheat, each offering special qualities. With their rich history and diverse benefits, heritage grains are finding their way back into our meals.
Using heritage grains isn’t just about good taste. They also provide many health benefits. They are often easier to digest and packed with vitamins and minerals. Additionally, these grains support the environment by promoting biodiversity and requiring less chemical input. Embracing heritage grains is a delicious way to contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier you.
What Are Heritage Grains?
Heritage grains are ancient types of grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years. Unlike modern grains, which have been altered through hybridization and genetic modification, heritage grains remain in their original state. This makes them more natural and often more nutritious.
One of the most notable heritage grains is Marquis Wheat. Developed in Canada in the early 1900s, Marquis Wheat was a game-changer for Canadian agriculture. It was bred to thrive in colder climates and became the gold standard for bread-making due to its exceptional baking qualities. Today, bakeries like A Bread Affair are rediscovering this nearly forgotten grain and bringing it back into artisan bread-making.
There are several other popular heritage grains that you can use in baking and cooking:
- Spelt: An ancient variety of wheat with a mild, nutty flavour. It is often used in bread and pasta.
- Einkorn: One of the oldest cultivated grains, known for its high protein content and sweet flavour.
- Emmer: Also known as farro, this grain is rich in fibre and has a chewy texture, making it great for salads and soups.
- Marquis Wheat: A Canadian heritage grain, prized for its baking qualities and historical significance.
Understanding these grains and their differences from modern varieties can help you make more informed choices. Heritage grains offer unique flavours and textures, adding variety to your meals.
Health Benefits of Heritage Grains
Heritage grains offer numerous health benefits. One major advantage is their nutritional value. These grains often contain more protein, fibre, and essential minerals compared to modern grains. This makes them a healthier choice for meals.
Another benefit is that heritage grains are easier to digest. Many people find that they can tolerate these grains better than modern wheat. This is because heritage grains often have simpler gluten structures, causing fewer digestive issues.
Here are some specific vitamins and minerals found in heritage grains:
- Fibre: Essential for good digestion and heart health.
- Iron: Important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
- Magnesium: Helps with muscle function and bone health.
- B-vitamins: Support energy levels and brain function.
Choosing heritage grains can lead to a healthier diet. Their rich nutritional profile and better digestibility make them a valuable addition to your meals.
Environmental Benefits of Growing Heritage Grains
Heritage grains offer significant environmental benefits. One major advantage is that they promote biodiversity. Unlike monoculture farming, which relies on a single crop, growing a variety of heritage grains helps maintain soil health. It also supports a wider range of plant and animal life.
These grains are also more resilient to pests and diseases. Because they are less modified, they often have natural defences that modern grains lack. This resilience means farmers do not need to use as many chemical pesticides, which is better for the environment.
The sustainability of heritage grain farming practices is another key benefit. Heritage grains can thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions. They often require less water and fewer synthetic inputs, which makes them more sustainable. By choosing heritage grains, farmers can adopt practices that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long run.
Rediscovering Marquis Wheat
Flour may seem like a simple ingredient to most, but for us, it’s the cornerstone of an extraordinary loaf of bread, a journey that led us to the annals of Canadian history.
In the early days of settling the Canadian West, a dilemma arose. The wheat varieties thriving in Ontario were ill-suited for the shorter growing seasons of the prairies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The quest began for wheat that could withstand the colder climates and still produce top-notch flour for baking. The answer was found at the Dominion Agricultural Research station in Agassiz, BC, where Marquis Wheat was born. A hybrid of early-ripening Indian wheat, Hard Red Calcutta, and Red Fife, Marquis Wheat revolutionized Canadian agriculture and quickly became the go-to grain for farmers across the prairies and northern U.S.
However, post-World War II advancements in plant hybridization led to Marquis Wheat being overshadowed by newer, higher-yielding strains. Over the years, the unique qualities of traditional wheat varieties were altered due to intense hybridization aimed at boosting crop yields.
In 2009, we stumbled upon a treasure, a few rare seeds of the original 1904 Marquis Wheat strain, preserved in the archives of the Canadian Central Experimental Farm through the Alberta Garden Conservancy. Intrigued by its legendary baking qualities, we became captivated by the idea of crafting artisan bread using flour from this nearly forgotten wheat.
Today, A Bread Affair proudly bakes with Marquis Wheat, bringing its exceptional taste and rich history back to life in every loaf.
How to Use Heritage Grains in Baking
Baking with heritage grains can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Substitute Gradually: When first using heritage grains, try replacing a portion of your regular flour with heritage grain flour. This helps you adjust to the taste and texture differences.
- Adjust Liquids: Heritage grain flour may absorb more or less liquid than regular flour. Be prepared to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipes.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different heritage grains in various recipes. Each grain has its unique flavour and texture that can enhance your baking.
Conclusion
Heritage grains are making a notable comeback for good reason. They offer various health benefits, from being highly nutritious to being easier to digest. These grains are also environmentally beneficial, promoting biodiversity and requiring fewer chemicals. Baking with heritage grains is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy unique flavours and textures.
For those who appreciate quality and sustainability, heritage grains are a fantastic choice. They align well with a lifestyle that values nutritious food and practices that benefit the planet. Exploring the world of heritage grains can lead to discovering new and delicious ways to enjoy your favourite baked goods.Consider visiting A Bread
Affair to explore a wide range of heritage grain options. Our organic, artisan bread made from Marquis Wheat promises a healthy and delightful experience. Visit us today and savour the goodness of heritage grains in every bite!
