Ancient and heirloom grains are popping up everywhere. While there is plenty of variety and benefits, which ones are hot in the baking industry right now? And what can they offer to products and labels? On this episode I talk with two experts in the field of ancient grains to learn more about this trend. [...]
Have you ever looked into the history or background of different ingredients? There are some interesting stories—the kind of stories your customers like to hear and that add value to a brand. Like the ancient grain freekeh. Freekeh is fire roasted green wheat with a smoky and nutty flavor. It dates back to 2300 B.C. Levantine [...]
If you’re looking for the baking trend of the future, try looking back—way back. With consumers on the lookout for healthy, natural, sustainable products, the baking industry is finding innovative solutions through ancient grains. There’s no denying the weight clean label products and functional food carries with the public these days. Millennials are driving a [...]
Ancient Grains What are Ancient Grains? Ancient grains is an umbrella term for grains and pseudocereals not bred or genetically manipulated for many centuries. Consumer interest in “natural” and non-hybridized grains and cereals continues fueling demand for these grains.2 Some producers in the Americas eschew the “ancient” label since these grains have been [...]
Ancient grains have been around a while, but recently they have found their way to the spotlight. While a lot of uses are more home based, they offer some interesting benefits for bakers, as well. Look at khorasan wheat, for example. Compared to modern wheat, it contains 20-40% more protein and is higher in: Lipids Amino acids [...]
Freekeh What is Freekeh? Freekeh is an ancient form of wheat grain, similar looking to bulgur. Also known as Green Wheat, Frikeh, Frekeh, Farik, or Firik, it is immature durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) which has been roasted and rubbed to create its characteristic smoky flavor. The term freekeh, meaning “rubbed” in [...]
These High Protein Solutions May Surprise You An increasing number of food products promoting protein on their labels are finding their way onto store shelves. Some of the interest is no doubt fueled by the low-carb and high protein diets that have dotted the landscape in recent years. As a baker or food producer, [...]
