Wheat
Varieties
Wheat is found in three basic strains: hard, or winter, wheat, used in bread making; soft wheat, used for pastries; and durum, used for pasta. Wheat is available as a whole grain (wheat berries), as flour, cracked, in flakes, and in a variety of other forms.
Bulghur is steamed, hulled, and cracked wheat berries.
Couscous is made from refined durum wheat and looks like tiny grains.
Farina is a refined cereal made from ground and sifted wheat.
Wheat germ is the nutrient-rich core of the wheat kernel.
Wheat bran, the outer layer of the grain, is rich in fiber and nutrients.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Combine cooked bulghur with olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and scallions for a fast tabbouleh; cook couscous in apple juice with raisins and pecans for a breakfast porridge or unusual side dish; add sprouted wheat berries to baked goods and cooked grain dishes.
Storing
Because of its high oil content, improperly stored wheat germ can become rancid. So store it in sealed glass jars and keep it refrigerated.