What are ancient grains?
These are grains that are considered ancient because they have been grown for several hundred years without modification. Many modern grains are genetically modified or bred, whereas ancient grains are not.
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Ancient grains include:
Amaranth
Barley
Buckwheat
Farro
Freekeh
Kamut
Kaniwa (also referred to as “baby quinoa”)
Millet
Quinoa
Rye
Spelt
Teff
What are the benefits of ancient grains?
Since these grains have not been modified, they usually have more nutritional benefits. This can be more protein, fiber, and vitamins, compared to modern grains. Since they have not been refined like white flour, they retain more of their natural characteristics that are beneficial.
These ancient grains are not only more nutritionally beneficial, but are absorbed slower, so that there is less of a spike in blood sugar.
How can you use ancient grains?
There are so many ways to use ancient grains, and can be used in a variety of recipes from baking to salads. Some grains such as quinoa, have gained a lot of popularity lately, and there are many recipes available.
Some easy recipes:
I heard of these but haven’t tried them yet. I’ll have to try out some recipes.
I have tried more than a few of these but Freeheh is one I still need to try.
I will be including more of these grains in my diet. I like that they have not been modified.
I don’t think I’ve tried very many ancient grains. Rye and quinoa are the only ones I recognized on that list. I’ll have to try the other ones!
I’ve never heard of kaniwa. So interesting! I’ve heard of ancient grains but didn’t know what they were. Thanks for clarifying!
The information you provided is beneficial. Thanks for sharing it with me.
I love that they retain more nutrients and are absorbed slower, making them a win-win. And those recipe ideas—especially the Quinoa Salad and Vegetable Barley Soup—sound like delicious ways to incorporate these ancient grains into our family meals.
I absolutely love this stuff and just got the most delicious ancient grain salad believe it or not at Shop Rite in NJ. Delicious and it is making me hungry thinking about it…. I am bookmarking this as I am going to start making them myself!
I have heard of these grains before but never tried any of them except for Quinoa in a salad and I really like it.
I’ll have to try more off this list, I’ve only had quinoa and barley! I’ve had buckwheat and rye, but only processed and now I’m curious to try them in an unprocessed form!
Quinoa is one that I’ve been enjoying myself. It works really well in a wide range of dishes especially salads. I need to boost my intake, if I can remember to buy more.
I always wondered what ancient grains were. Thanks for teaching me something new.
We use quinoa, barley at home while we have eaten buckwheat and rye bread but not the other grains and always been curious about them
I’ve never heard of these grains called ancient grains before. I don’t eat a ton of whole grains though. We do eat white rice which I’m sure it’s not exactly the most healthy choice there is.
I had no idea that ancient grains were so much better for me than “regular” grains. I might need to switch over from my old stand-bys.
I didn’t realize that these grains hadn’t been modified like other more common grains. I love that because anytime you mess with Mother Nature, you screw things up.
This is so interesting! Definitely going to look more into it! Thanks for sharing this!
I’ve been into Ancient grains for over a decade, when they were just appearing under this “new” label. I have every single grain you mention in my pantry and cook with them all the time. Delicious and nutrient-dense!
Fascinating! Loving the slow-digesting benefit and wider recipe options. Will explore incorporating more ancient grains.
I’ve heard of ancient grains but had no idea what these are lol…I love Quineo and would eat it daily if I could…