Freekeh, the ‘new’ healthy grain you have to try

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Nov. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Freekeh, the ‘new’ healthy grain you have to try...
The reason.... this green wheat goes above and beyond in the nutrition department and offers not only nutrients but also a variety of heath benefits. Freekeh is an excellent healthy source of protein not just for vegetarian and vegans.
About freekeh
Long recognized as a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, freekeh has broken into the American market as part of the burgeoning interest in whole and ancient grains. Freekeh is fire roasted green wheat, harvested when the wheat is immature. Freekeh in Aramaic means “to rub” referring to the technique by which freekeh is made.  Once the freekeh is roasted, the wheat is rubbed to reveal the kernel.
Good to know
Cracked Grain Freekeh is similar in texture to bulgar wheat.

So what makes the grain better when harvested young? The simple answer…everything. The protein content is higher and the protein quality is better. The protein quality means that the protein is more easily digestible. One serving of freekeh (1/4 cup – raw) contains 8 grams of protein. It also contains plenty of fiber – 4 times the fiber of brown rice. For those managing diabetes, freekeh has a low glycemic index and has an excellent insulin response rate.
Good to know
Wholegrain Freekeh is similar to a wheat berry in size and texture.

The young grains also have much less ‘available carbs.’ Available carbs in freekeh are in the order of about 40% or vs. about 65% in the same grain at maturity. Most of the carbs in freekeh are in the highly desirable form of fiber and Resistant Starch (RS). The impact of this fiber and RS combination is significant on bowel health. Research by the CSIRO and the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) show that the consumption of freekeh is not only beneficial for all bowel health indices, but also leads to the increased production in the colon of an important short chain fatty acid called butyrate. Research shows that an in- creased production of butyrate equates to reduced incidence of bowel cancer.

Freekeh health benefits
There are many other health benefits to freekeh which range from a strong prebiotic effect to high content of calcium, iron and lutein.

Good to know
Freekeh is amazing an ancient grain, packed with protein, calcium and fiber.

Besides the nutritional value, the grain has a wonderfully slightly smoky, nutty flavor and is a great substitute for rice, couscous, and quinoa. Freekeh is available as “whole” or “whole grain” and as “cracked.” The cracked is similar in texture to bulgur wheat; the whole grain to wheat berries in size and texture. Cooking freekeh is just like cooing rice and other grains.Whole freekeh will need to cook for about 40-45 minutes, whereas cracked freekeh will need only about 20-25 minutes.

Cooking with freekeh
The versatility and ease of using freekeh in new and old recipes is extremely appealing to consumers. It’s delicious in soups, salads and casseroles. You can also try it for breakfast as a hot cereal dressing it with nuts and honey or as a parfait that’s layered with yogurt and fruit in the same way you might eat granola or oats.


Freekehlicious is the premier U.S. importer of Greenwheat Freekeh™, a product of Australia. Produced from top quality green Australian GMO-free grains, the proprietary process not only determines when the grain is ready to be picked but also immobilizes the enzymes at the peak nutritional point. The result is a product that is superior in health and nutrition. For more info please visit http://www.freekehlicious.com/