Wheat
Wheat is pretty serious business. Production of wheat is the 2nd highest of all grains, only dwarfed by maize.
This grain was first cultivated 10,000 years ago in the Mediterranean. In the 1500s and 1600s, wheat was brought to Mexico and the United States. Because of technological advances and climate change, wheat has become very easy to produce and is extremely accessible.
In the USA, wheat is often consumed in the form of bread, pastries, cakes, cereal, pasta, and crackers.
Like all grains bought in bulk, when buying wheat, ensure there are no signs of moisture.
When storing wheat, place in a sealed container and store in a cool, yet dry place. In areas where the climate is warm, refrigerating wheat is ideal.
Dried bundles of wheat are often used as decoration.
Dirty playing cards? Drop your cards in a bag of flour and the flour will absorb grease and oil from the cards.
This one is great for kids! Combine 4 cups of flour with ½ cup of mineral oil (or baby oil) for a fun, soft clay.
Wheat becomes beer and other alcoholic beverages by fermentation, where yeast or bacteria consumes the sugar content of the wheat and processes it into alcohol.
There are many types of wheat flour, each with their own specific uses and scientific reasoning behind said uses:
Soft White Wheat: lowest protein and gluten content amongst all wheat flours, thus the gluten strands are much weaker and looser. This type of flour is ideal for cakes and pastries.
Hard White Wheat: average protein and gluten content amongst all wheat flours. This flour is ideal for making it perfect for tortillas, noodles, etc.
Hard Red Spring Wheat: highest protein and gluten content amongst all wheat flours, thus the gluten strands are much stronger and firmer, making it ideal for hard bread.
Similar to cooking rice, boil whole wheat in chicken stock or plain water and allow the wheat to absorb the liquid.
Adding a bit of wheat flour to baked goods will result in a denser final product. For more filling pancakes, add a bit of wheat flour to all-purpose flour.
Adding wheat flour to sauces can help thicken them up. For example, if you prefer a thicker gravy, heat up the gravy and stir in a small amount of wheat flour tasting as you go.
High in fiber and antioxidants, eating whole wheat is known to improve bowel conditions, lower cholesterol, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
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