If you’ve been exploring different types of flour for baking or looking for a healthier alternative to modern wheat, you may have come across einkorn flour. The Ancient Grain that’s slowly but surely making a comeback in our modern society.
But, what is einkorn flour, and why is it gaining popularity among home bakers and health-conscious eaters? Mainly because it’s one of the very few grains that has not been modified or altered.
Einkorn wheatberries are considered a “specialty item” in many stores is not always easy to find.
Typically you can most likely find einkorn wheat flour or the wheat-berries in health-food stores, local farms, or ordering sites online.
My Experience Baking With Einkorn Flour
I have nothing but great things to say about Einkorn flour. Its slightly golden hue, enriching buttery taste, and phenomenal finished baked goods are a few of the many reasons I love baking with it.
But even better, I know I’m creating baked goods that are much more nutritionally filling without using all-purpose flour.
Einkorn flour elevates many of my recipes from great to even better!
Einkorn flour is usually more expensive than standard flour and packaged in smaller bags, but for a home baker, it’s well worth the investment.
Whether I’m using my sourdough starter to bake sourdough bread, cookies, or even quick breads my favorite method includes baking with einkorn flour.
A Brief History
Einkorn wheat is considered the oldest cultivated wheat variety, dating back over 10,000 years. It was one of the first grains domesticated by early farmers in the Fertile Crescent, an area that includes parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Unlike today’s hybridized wheat, einkorn remains a pure, ancient grain with its original genetic structure intact.
Why Choose Einkorn Flour Over Modern Wheat?
One of the main reasons people are turning to einkorn wheat flour is its unique nutritional profile. Compared to conventional wheat, einkorn is packed with more nutrients, including higher levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Here are some key reasons why einkorn is a better choice:
- Easier Digestion – Because einkorn has a simpler gluten structure, many people who are sensitive to modern wheat find it easier to digest.
- Higher Nutrient Content – Einkorn wheat flour contains more protein and essential nutrients than regular wheat flour.
- Naturally Lower in Gluten – While einkorn is not gluten-free, its gluten behaves differently, making it less problematic for some individuals with mild gluten sensitivities.
- Non-Hybridized Grain – Unlike conventional wheat, einkorn has not been genetically modified or hybridized, making it a more natural and wholesome choice.
Curious About the Taste?
One of the things people love about einkorn flour is its mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Unlike modern whole wheat flour, which can have a strong, sometimes bitter taste, organic einkorn wheat flour has a light, delicate flavor that enhances both sweet and savory baked goods. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a wholesome alternative to all-purpose flour without sacrificing taste.
Is Einkorn Flour Good for Sourdough?
Yes!
Einkorn flour is a fantastic choice for sourdough baking. Many sourdough bakers love using einkorn bread flour because of its rich, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits. However, making einkorn wheat bread with sourdough requires some adjustments, as einkorn’s gluten structure is weaker than modern wheat. The fermentation process helps break down the gluten even further, making the bread even easier to digest.
Where to Buy Einkorn Flour
As more people discover the benefits of einkorn, it’s becoming easier to find. One of the most popular and widely available brands is Jovial Flour, which offers organic einkorn wheat flour in both whole grain and all-purpose varieties. Many health food stores, online retailers, and specialty grocery stores carry einkorn products. You can also find it in bulk from some local mills that specialize in ancient grains.
Best Ways to Use Einkorn Flour in Your Kitchen
Einkorn flour is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to your pantry. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it into your everyday cooking and baking:
- Homemade Pasta – Einkorn’s slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with fresh pasta recipes.
- Pancakes & Waffles – Light and fluffy, einkorn pancakes are a breakfast favorite.
- Muffins & Quick Breads – Perfect for wholesome treats like banana bread and zucchini muffins.
- Cookies & Cakes – Einkorn’s delicate flavor shines in baked goods like sugar cookies and pound cakes.
- Rustic Artisan Bread – If you love hearty, crusty loaves, einkorn bread flour can create a flavorful boule or sandwich loaf.
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