Wheat has been a fundamental pillar of the diet of different civilizations throughout history, serving as the basis for a vast variety of products. Among the most interesting and recovered wheat species today, the Khorasan wheat, also known as Kamut or Khorasan wheat. This ancient grain has re-emerged due to its remarkable nutritional characteristics, its durability, and its adaptation to organic farming.
Types and varieties of wheat
There are multiple species of wheat, the most notable for their use as food being durum wheat (Triticum durum), the common wheat (Triticum aestivum) And the durum wheat (Triticum turgidum). Each one has characteristics that make it ideal for different preparations:
- Hard wheat: It predominates in the production of pasta like macaroni or spaghetti. Its firm, golden-colored grains contain more gluten and protein, providing a firm texture after cooking. It is prized because it prevents pasta from crumbling and withstands long cooking times.
- soft wheat: It is the most cultivated and consumed in the world. Its gluten content makes it perfect for baking and pastry, as it produces soft and fluffy flours. Its versatility allows it to be used in breads, cakes, and other baked goods.
- durum wheatLess common, it is mainly used for whole-grain flours, including rustic breads and products with high nutritional value, thanks to its high fiber and nutrient content.
What is Khorasan wheat?
Khorasan wheat is a tetraploid (28 chromosome) wheat variety, named after the historical region of Khorasan, between present-day Iran and Afghanistan. Although it is well known under the trade name Kamut, “Kamut” is actually a registered trademark that markets this grain, while its botanical name is turanicum o Triticum turgidum.
It is also known as "the wheat of the pharaohs" due to the belief that it was consumed in Ancient Egypt, and there is evidence of its use in civilizations such as the Egyptian and Babylonian. Its origin has not changed genetically with modern agriculture. being an ancestral cereal with little adulteration and an original nutritional profile. The grain of Khorasan is of much larger in size than common wheat, elongated in shape and golden in color, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and an aroma that can be reminiscent of butter or nuts.
Nutritional characteristics of Khorasan wheat
- Rich in proteins: Between 14% and 17%, considerably outperforming modern wheatIts lysine content, an essential amino acid, stands out.
- High in minerals: Contributes iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and especially selenium, an outstanding antioxidant mineral for the prevention of cellular damage and good cardiovascular health.
- Vitamins: Provides an important contribution of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3) and vitamin E, essential for functions such as energy metabolism, nervous system health, cell regeneration and immunity.
- Healthy fatsAlthough it has more lipids than conventional wheat, most of them are polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega 6.
- Complex carbohydrates: Source of sustained energy, ideal for children, athletes and people with high energy requirements.
- Dietary fiber: Between 2 and 10 grams per 100 grams, promotes digestion and intestinal health.
Approximate nutritional values per 100 g of grain:
- Energy value: 337-360 kcal
- Protein: 14-17 g
- Fats: 2-2,6 g (of which saturated: 0.4 g)
- Carbohydrates: 60-67 g
- Sugars: 0,2 g
- Dietary fiber: 2-10 g
- Salt: 0,1 g
This cereal contains gluten, so it's not suitable for people with celiac disease. However, many people with sensitivity to modern wheat tolerate Khorasan wheat better due to its less modified protein structure and greater digestibility.
Benefits and properties of Khorasan wheat
- Improves cardiovascular health: Thanks to its content of omega 6, vitamin E and selenium, helps reduce LDL cholesterol and protects against oxidative stress.
- Remineralizing and energetic: The high content of minerals and amino acids makes it excellent for people with high needs, athletes, children, students and the elderly.
- Improves digestion and satiety: Its contribution in fiber and proteins promotes intestinal transit and the feeling of satiety, contributing to weight control.
- Lower incidence of intolerances: Not having been subjected to modern genetic modifications, It produces fewer food intolerances and may be better tolerated by people allergic to common wheat.
- Prevention of cellular aging: Both vitamin E and selenium and zinc have powerful antioxidant action.
Several investigations confirm that the regular consumption of Khorasan wheat Improves cholesterol, glucose and cardiovascular parameters compared to modern wheat consumption. Furthermore, by providing sustained energy and a dense nutrient profile, it is excellent for incorporating into healthy, balanced diets.
Differences between Khorasan wheat and modern wheat
The grains of Khorasan wheat are two to three times larger than those of common wheat, and have a more golden color and a more robust textureIts flavor is sweeter and reminiscent of butter or nuts, adding a special touch to breads, pasta, and other products. Nutritionally, Khorasan wheat contains:
- Up to 40% more protein and 60% more essential amino acids.
- Greater amount of minerals and vitamins, especially selenium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin E.
- More lipids and fiber than modern wheat.
- Modern wheat, engineered to maximize yield and pest resistance, has lost some of its nutritional value and flavor in exchange for increased productivity.
Main food uses of Khorasan wheat
Khorasan wheat is an extremely versatile grain. Its many uses include:
- Flour for pastry and bakery: Highly appreciated for making wholemeal breads, cakes, biscuits, sponge cakes and rustic doughs. It gives rise to More aromatic, flavorful, and better-textured baked goods than common refined wheat.
- Pasta: It is the main ingredient in the preparation of organic and artisan pasta, providing a distinctive flavor and firmer cooking.
- Breakfast cereals and flakes: The grains can be eaten cooked in the form of porridge, mixed with fruits, nuts and honey.
- Salads and hot dishesCooked grains are added to salads, stews, soups and side dishes, providing texture and nutritional value.
- Rice or quinoa substitute: It can be used in bowls, sushi, risottos or any preparation where rice is the protagonist, providing a unique flavor and energy contribution.
- Vegetable drinks and sproutsKhorasan wheat sprouts are highly valued in the production of green energy drinks.
In its native land, Khorasan wheat has also historically formed the basis of livestock feed, especially camels.
How Khorasan wheat is marketed
Khorasan wheat can be found on the market in various formats:
- Whole grain (for cooking or preparing as a cooked cereal)
- In flakes for breakfast
- Flour (whole and refined) for bakery, pastry and pasta
- Pasta (macaroni, fusilli, spaghetti, etc.)
- Vegetable drinks and fresh sprouts
Khorasan wheat cultivation: requirements and challenges
- Rusticity and adaptation: It is a cereal of ancient origin whose rusticity allows it to adapt to different types of soils and climatesIt tolerates drought, poor soils and extreme climates well, but is sensitive to excessive humidity.
- Sowing and requirements: Sowing is preferably done in autumn or late winter, in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The sowing dose is around 200-400 kg per hectare, with adequate spacing to promote aeration and reduce disease.
- Suitable for organic farmingIts high resistance allows it to be grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it ideal for organic farming and rotation with legumes. Organic fertilization is done with manure, compost, or green manure before planting.
- Weed managementIn organic farming, mechanical control is used through false sowing and spike harrows, avoiding the use of herbicides.
- Level of water demandAlthough it tolerates periods of drought, drip irrigation is efficient in the initial stages and in the formation of the spike, taking care not to flood the soil.
- Integrated pest control: Khorasan wheat can be affected by pests and diseases such as rust, aphids or fungi. It is recommended crop rotation, use of resistant varieties and use of biological control with beneficial insects.
- Harvest and storageHarvested when the ears are bent and the grains are golden and dry. It is important to dry the grain properly before storing to prevent mold and spoilage; it should be stored in cool, dry places with low humidity.
- Production and profitability: Its average yield is between 1-2 tons per hectare, somewhat lower than conventional wheat, but its quality, demand and price far exceed modern wheat.
Who can benefit from Khorasan wheat?
Virtually the entire population can consume and benefit from the qualities of Khorasan wheat. (except for people diagnosed with celiac disease). It is especially recommended for:
- People with physical and intellectual exhaustion: athletes, students, the elderly.
- People with sensitivity to common wheat.
- Individuals seeking a more natural, less processed, and organic diet.
- Individuals with high mineral and vitamin requirements.
- Interested in a low glycemic index diet with a long-lasting satiating effect.
Unlike modern wheat, Khorasan wheat has not been subject to recent hybridization or genetic modification, making it one of the purest cereals available today. This fact, along with its high energy value and low allergenicity, has led to its growing demand in healthy eating and organic farming.
- The Kamut brand It is the most widespread reference, although there are independent national and organic harvests.
- In vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Khorasan wheat is incorporated into recipes for burgers, stews, and vegetable soups.
- For farmers, its short growing cycle and easy management make it a profitable option for organic farming.
- Properly storing dry grain (humidity less than 12%) guarantees its stability and quality for months.
Thanks to its nutritional value, easy adaptation to organic farming, delicate flavor, and multiple culinary uses, Khorasan wheat is establishing itself as one of the best ancestral alternatives to modern wheat. It's increasingly present in natural food stores, artisan bakeries, and healthy food stores. If you're looking to add flavor, energy, and health to your diet, Khorasan wheat is an ingredient that deserves a prominent place in your pantry.
