What's The Deal With Wheat?

Wheat berries are a suitable choice as a whole grain in the summer as they have a cooling thermal nature to them. According to Chinese medicine, this grain helps calm the mind and can be used as a remedy for palpitations, insomnia, irritability, menopausal symptoms and emotional instability. Wheat absorbs a wide range of minerals from the soil and is said to be a vital food in the process of growth and development. It encourages growth and weight gain so is especially good for children and frail individuals. Wheat, however, should be minimized if one is obese or if dealing with tumors or growths.

Wheat often causes allergic reactions as result of the flour products we normally consume that have been made with flour rancid from oxidation. Wheat flour should ideally be used immediately after grinding. Some people who are allergic to processed flour products can still digest cooked wheat berries or sprouted wheat. 

Wheat Berry Salad

1 1/2 cups wheat berries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped tart dried cherries/ dried cranberries (sweetened with apple juice concentrate rather than sugar) 

1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large pot combine the wheat berries with enough water to cover the wheat berries by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until tender. Wheat berries retain a firm, chewy texture when cooked. Drain and let cool. Toast the walnuts in a medium dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the wheat berries, walnuts, celery, dried cherries, scallions, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice. Season to taste, with salt and pepper.

Variation: add beans such as garbanzo or edamame and add your favorite vegetables such as green beans, peppers, asparagus, broccoli, etc’. 

Bulghur Wheat Tabouli

Bulgur is made from boiled wheat berries that are then dried and cracked. To avoid buying oxidized grains, purchase it in a sealed package and once opened, store in an airtight container.

1 cup bulgur

1 cup boiling water

¼ teaspoon sea salt

¾ cup parsley, chopped

2 scallions, chopped

1 tomato, diced

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons olive oil

2-4 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

(or 1 teaspoon dried mint)

salt to taste

Place Bulgur in a mixing bowl, pouring over it the boiling water. Cover the bowl and let it stand for

15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, gently toss all ingredients together. 

Grow your own Wheatgrass

Place wheatgrass in a container with soil, covered with an additional thin layer of soil, and water regularly until grass is grown. Grind or juice for its cleansing properties.