how to grow spelt

Sow the spelt seeds by hand or with a hand-held broadcast seed spreader in September for June harvest. Gently rake the seeds into the top 2 inches of soil. Cover with a 2- to 4-inch layer of loose straw to suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture. Spelt seeds will germinate in one to three days.

Is Spelt easy to grow?

Spelt can grow in poorly-drained low fertility soils. When seeding spelt it is important to remember that because the hulls are attached to the seed, germination is slower than for wheat. ... Because spelt is grown much like wheat and is a very similar grain, it crosses easily.

How is Spelt harvested?

Harvesting: Spelt can be direct combined or windrowed and threshed similar to winter wheat. For direct combining, the moisture content of the crop should be 14% or less. If there are many weeds, the crop should be windrowed and the windrow allowed to dry for a few days.

Is Spelt grown in Australia?

Spelt was first commercially grown in Australia by Geoff and Julie Brown of Buckwheat Enterprises, Parkes NSW, in 1989. ... Production in Australia is currently estimated at 4,000 tonnes, with an estimated retail value of processed organic spelt products of $7.7 million.

Where is Spelt grown in the world?

Spelt spread to the Balkan Peninsula and around Europe from the Near East during the Bronze Age. Today, spelt is still in production in certain areas of Gemrany and in Switzerland. In Finland, about 2,000 hectares (5000 acres) are devoted to growing spelt.

How long does it take to grow Spelt?

Sow the spelt seeds by hand or with a hand-held broadcast seed spreader in September for June harvest. Gently rake the seeds into the top 2 inches of soil. Cover with a 2- to 4-inch layer of loose straw to suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture. Spelt seeds will germinate in one to three days.

Why Spelt is better than wheat?

Whole spelt and whole wheat have very similar nutrition profiles. Both whole grains provide carbs, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients (1). ... For example, the mineral content of spelt is higher than wheat. Spelt contains more manganese, zinc and copper (58, 59).

Where did Spelt come from?

Spelt is another member of the farro family and goes by the name Farro Grande. It was originally cultivated in what is now Iran and possibly simultaneously in southeastern Europe. It was a staple of its day and is one of the very first wheats used to make bread.

What is Spelt used for?

Spelt has a lovely, nutty flavour not dissimilar to barley. It has gained popularity in recent times, thanks to its high levels of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals and the fact that it is both easy to digest and low in gluten. Spelt is generally sold as flour and used in bread, pasta, biscuits and crackers.

What is the crop Spelt?

Spelt (Triticum aestivum var. spelta) is a subspecies of wheat that is primarily used as an alternative feed grain for livestock. It is generally grown for on-farm use, often as a substitute for oats. Most of the nation's feed-grade spelt is grown in Ohio.

How do you cook organic Spelt grain?

Stovetop. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a pot with salt. Add rinsed spelt berries, return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and boil uncovered until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain off cooking water, then serve.

Is quinoa grown in Australia?

Quinoa is native to the Andes region of South America. It is grown in a range of altitudes, climates and soil types. ... The largest producer of quinoa in Australia is located in northern Tasmania. Preliminary cropping trials have been successful in the wheat-belt and in Kununurra under irrigation in Western Australia.

What foods contain Spelt?

Products like spelt pasta and cereal, as well as spelt bread, muffin, or pancake mix, are also available in health food stores. If you don't have to follow a gluten-free diet, spelt is perfectly safe — and may even have more health benefits than common wheat due to its antioxidant content.

What food is Spelt found in?

Spelt (Triticum spelta), also known as dinkel wheat or hulled wheat, is a species of wheat that has been cultivated since approximately 5000 BC. Spelt was an important staple food in parts of Europe from the Bronze Age to medieval times.
...

Spelt
Genus:	Triticum
Species:	T. spelta
Binomial name
Triticum spelta L.

Is Spelt the same as barley?

Barley and spelt are cheap, tasty, easy to cook with and incredibly versatile. ... The only real difference is that spelt is quicker to cook, needing about 20-25 minutes simmering to barley's 30 or 40 (although sometimes you'll come across a batch of barley that requires a bit longer).

Where is Spelt grown in the UK?

The UK's biggest spelt producer and miller, Sharpham Park – based in the Somerset Levels – says it has been forced to ration supplies to existing customers and turn away new business. A distant cousin of wheat, spelt has a unique gluten structure which makes it easier to digest.

Where is Spelt grown in Canada?

Spelt is a novel crop in western Canada, mostly found on a few organic farms that grow spring varieties developed at the University of Saskatchewan.

Where is wheat grown?

Major wheat growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat. India Facts and Figures : World trade in wheat is greater than for all other crops combined.

Is Spelt better than oats?

To eat more whole-grain oats, try the steel-cut version (also called Irish oats), which is oats chopped into small pieces. ... Spelt is an ancient whole grain, said to be more nutritious than modern grains. Wheat flour, however, has more fibre than spelt, which many people find easier to digest.

What is Spelt bread like?

It has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, similar to that of whole wheat flour but with none of the bitterness. It is a light grain, so it doesn't weigh down baked goods the way whole wheat flour can. In fact, food baked with spelt is usually soft and tender.

Why is Spelt good for you?

Spelt, with its mild, nutty flavor, is a popular alternative to wheat. It also provides several essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Consuming spelt and other whole grains may improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help people achieve or maintain a healthy weight.