Grains are a staple food around the world. From familiar oats to exotic quinoa, they appear in one form or another at almost every meal and provide the bulk of the world’s food supply.

Nutritionally, whole grains are an excellent source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other essential minerals. The USDA food pyramid recommends 9-11 servings of grains daily.

Amaranth is technically not a grain, but this ancient Aztec food supplies an impressive amount of nutrients especially protein, calcium, iron and zinc. Amaranth seeds add a slightly nutty taste to homebaked muffins, cookies and bread. Cooked amaranth makes a nice breakfast porridge.

Barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol. Look for whole barley; pearled barley lacks the nutrient-rich germ and fiber-rich bran. Enjoy barley’s chewy little buds in soups, stews, pilafs, casseroles and salads.

Buckwheat isn’t a form of wheat or even a grain, but a member of the rhubarb family. Buckwheat groats are high in protein, hardy and distinctively flavored. Toasted buckwheat groats are called kasha and have a mellower flavor.

Corn is often eaten as a vegetable. The natural sugar that gives fresh corn its sweetness turns into starch as the corn dries. Yellow corn is the only grain that is a significant source of vitamin A. Blue corn contains more protein than yellow or white corn and is a richer source of manganese and potassium.

Kamut is a highly nutritious ancient wheat with greater nutritional value than modern, hybridized wheat. Kamut may be less allergenic than common wheat. Use kamut in baked goods, cereals or trail mixes.

Millet is higher in iron and protein than most other grains. It is easily digestible and considered one of the least allergenic of grains. Millet makes a tasty addition to casseroles, breads, stews or salads. Drizzle with maple syrup and try it as a breakfast cereal.

Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol. Hulled whole oats are known as oat groats; add cooked groats to soups or stews. Steel cut oats make a delicious chewy hot cereal.

Quinoa (keen-wa) originates from the mountains of Peru and has the highest protein content of all the grains. It cooks quickly and expands to three times its original volume. Quinoa’s nutty flavor is delicious in stews with small red beans. Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its bitter-tasting coating.

Rye is an especially good source of the mineral manganese. Rye berries are slow cooking but are a nice chewy base for a winter vegetable stir-fry. Soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. Cracked or rolled rye makes a hearty hot cereal.
Spelt is another non-hybridized wheat that is higher in protein and fiber than common wheat. Some people who are allergic to wheat may not react to spelt. Use an equal amount of spelt as a substitute for wheat in any recipe.

Triticale is the first man-made grain. It is a cross between rye and wheat and is nutritionally superior to both. In texture and taste, triticale is a blend of wheat’s nuttiness and rye’s chewiness with a hint of rye’s distinct taste. It is most often used as a flour but is sometimes available as flakes or berries. Use as a substitute for wheat or rye in any recipe.

Couscous, sometimes called Moroccan pasta, is made from semolina, the ground endosperm of hard durum wheat. The tiny pellets are popular in North Africa, where they are served as part of a spicy stew.

Wheat is nutritious and easy to transport, store and process so it is not surprising that it is the world’s major cereal grain. The unprocessed seeds are called whole wheat berries. They are slow to cook but very flavorful in pilafs, stuffings, or porridge. Sprouted, they make a nice addition to bread or salads.

Bulgar is made from whole wheat berries that have been steamed, dried and cracked. Use it in salads (Middle Eastern tabouli is a classic), stuffings, casseroles, or add to burgers or loaves.

Cracked wheat is wheat berries that have been coarsely milled into smaller pieces. This quick cooking grain has a nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture. Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal, or use it in stuffings, pilafs and breads.
Storage Tips

Whole and cracked kernels of grain still contain the oil-rich germ and are susceptible to rancidity. To ensure freshness, buy these forms of grain in small quantities and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place for up to six months.

Nutritional Information
Information for one half-cup of cooked grains.
Carbohydrates, fat, fiber and protein measured in grams.

Flavor is improved by toasting.
Soak overnight to reduce cooking time.

I found this excellent information while shopping in the Moscow Idaho Food Co-op — an amazing place full of great food and people.

© Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops.