Little spelt, big bread
Einkorn is a rustic cereal also known as littlespelt. It should not be confused with spelt, which is a different species entirely.
Petit epeautre epis by Sebastien d'HalloyIntercéréales
Einkorn cultivation
Einkorn is a rustic plant that can be sown to grow in nutrient-poor soil. It has an agricultural cycle of up to 11 months.
Einkorn seeds are generally sown in October and harvested in August.
petit epeautre epis dans les champs by wwicki63 - FotoliaIntercéréales
An ancient plant
Einkorn's origins date back to the Neolithic period, over 10,000 years ago. Einkorn was first farmed in the Fertile Crescent geographic region, before spreading to Europe, in the Mediterranean region and France.
Still around
In modern France, this plant is produced in Haute-Provence, where it enjoys the status of a culturally important grain. It has also been designated a Protected Geographical Indication.
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Small but beautiful!
Einkorn grain is small, oval and has a slightly squashed look. One of its defining characteristics is that it isn't split. On the ear, the grain is separated into two tight rows. The einkorn ear also has long beards.
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Well-being and health
Einkorn is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and mineral elements like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. And although einkorn contains gluten, its gluten content is lower than that of common wheat
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What can you make with einkorn?
You can eat cooked einkorn grain in salad. Its flour can also be used to make delicious little shortbread cookies and also loaves of bread that can be found in certain French bakeries.
