Wheatberry Cups
This product is organically grown.
Specialty Produce is certified to handle organics.
Our California registration number is: 37-1293 Organically grown.
Estimated Inventory, 8 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Sprouted wheat berries are small, elongated grains, approximately 7 to 10 millimeters in length, that have been germinated, resulting in a soft, crunchy consistency. The grains are tan in color and rounded, bearing a crease down the center with a slender, white shoot attached to one end. Sprouted Wheatberries have a mildly nutty flavor and a crunchy and starchy texture.
Seasons/Availability
Wheat Berry Cups are available year-round.
Current Facts
Utilizing wheat in numerous nutritious ways, wheat berries, wheat germ, wheat bran, whole wheat flour, cracked wheat and pasta are the most common forms available in the markets. Wheat is considered to be the most important cereal crop in the world nourishing more people than any other grain. Wheat is not typically used as animal feed as is other grains, such as sorghum, corn, millet and oats. However, wheat germ and bran which are nutrient-dense by-products of flour refining are fed to livestock.
Nutritional Value
Wheat berries provide an excellent source of fiber. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three daily servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
Whole wheat products offer a rich satisfying flavor and texture as accompaniments to poultry, fish and meat. Versatile wheat berries are also an excellent base for meatless meals. Combine with rice or barley to temper their robust flavor. Cook as a pilaf by sautéing the uncooked wheat berries with onion and garlic in a small amount of oil or broth. Simmer; add spices, herbs to taste and chopped vegetables. Experiment with the versatile wheat berries with hearty ingredients, such as eggplant, roasted bell peppers and winter squash. Cooked wheat berries are excellent combined with ground beef or turkey to make meat loaf or meatballs. After cooking, add the wheat berries to stuffing, breads and casseroles. The wheat berry is excellent as an added texture to rice dishes and goes well with hardy foods. Wheat berries are perfect additions to grain-based dishes, added to stews and soups or served as a healthy side dish. Wheat berries are perfect as a meat extender and thickener and reduces the fat content in food. Cooked wheat berries are superb fillings for hollowed-out vegetables, such as cabbage, peppers and squash. To prepare, use three parts water to one part wheat berries and cook for two or more hours. Note: Cooking time may be shortened by pre-soaking the wheat berries.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Wheat products are an integral ingredient in many of the foods consumed in the United States. Breads, cereals and numerous food products eaten in this country are wheat-based. The concept of healthier eating has created a demand for healthier foods in this country's markets. Many whole food products are now available in specialty stores and supermarkets for the health-conscious American consumer.
Geography/History
Grown locally at San Diego, California, Sun Grown Organic Distributors, Inc. has been committed to food safety since 1984. Providing top quality products year round, CEO Robin Taylor diligently maintains his company's consistent and superior high standards for cleaning and packaging spring-fresh edibles. A market leader in the community, Specialty Produce enthusiastically endorses and proudly promotes our local growers, farmers, ranchers and the valuable California farming industry. One of the oldest cultivated grains, wheat is thought to have descended from a wild grass, and was first grown in western Asia six thousand years ago. Ancient Egyptians milled it into flour for bread and, during the Roman Empire, claimed wheat as being their grain of choice. For hundreds of years during the Middle Ages, wheat fell behind potatoes, barley and rye as a staple food in Europe. By the nineteenth century, however, wheat had reemerged as the preeminent grain in Europe. European settlers brought wheat to the New World in the 1700s and what would later be America's wheat belt, wheat had become firmly established by the mid-nineteenth century. The United States is one of the top five wheat-producing nations in the world and exports one-half of the annual wheat cop to other nations.
