There's no denying food prices are rising and supply declining. Yet prices of whole grain berries and flours meet the challenges.
In a price check on Amazon yesterday of 19 whole grains, the average price per serving (1 ounce) was $.32. Brown Rice and Bulgur Wheat were $.15, Quinoa, Millet and Farro $.28 and Teff $.47. The outlier Kernza Wheat-grass, a perennial grain, was $.71.
Amaranth, cornmeal, buckwheat and sorghum all approximated $.31.
Just yesterday the television news reports the prices of wheat and corn will rise as world conflicts persist. The availability of whole grains where you shop will vary. Now may be a good time to diversify grains in the diets to stay atop the market fluctuations.
Here's a quick view of whole grain usage: Whole grains serve as the starting point for grain bowls and stir fries .Cooked whole grains offer unique tastes and textures in both hot and cold foods. They serve as the chewy component in soups. Whole grains can be substituted one for one in these grainy dishes.
Ground into flour, whole grains elevate the nutrient content of a dish. Gluten containing flours form the shape in yeast breads. Non-gluten flours work best in quick breads, muffins, cookies and pancakes. If you're new to gluten free baking it is best to try a tested recipe. Grain packages often have recipes. An internet search of the desired recipe bring links to tested recipes, many with customer ratings.
- Some whole grains (Amaranth, Buckwheat and Quinoa) afford complete proteins.
- Whole grains better for the environment include Amaranth, Corn, Millet, Sorghum and Teff.
- All but a few whole grains can grow in the United States.
- Corn Grits, Whole Wheat and Buckwheat are grown locally and available at our Morgantown, West Virginia Farmers Market.
Diversifying grains is good for the gut microbiome and the environment. There are so many reasons to try new varieties and choose according to price and market conditions.
Corn Tortillas
(6 Servings)
