Everything You Need to Know About Wheatberries

Chewy, nutty and packed with wholegrain goodness, wheatberries are one of the simplest ways to add texture and flavour to everyday meals. Learn all about this underrated grain.

Written by Merchant Gourmet
Read time: 1 minutes
Everything You Need to Know About Wheatberries

What Are Wheatberries?

Nutty, chewy and wonderfully wholesome, wheatberries are whole wheat kernels in their purest form. They contain all three parts of the grain – the bran, germ and endosperm – with only the tough outer hull removed, making them the least processed form of wheat available.

Available in several varieties, including hard and soft, red and white, winter and spring wheat, wheatberries are a versatile whole grain that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury dishes.

What Do Wheatberries Taste Like?

Wheatberries have a naturally sweet, nutty flavour with a satisfyingly chewy texture that holds up beautifully during cooking.

Their hearty bite makes them perfect for adding texture to grain bowls, salads and soups, while their subtle sweetness means they work just as well in breakfast dishes and desserts.

Because they retain their shape when cooked, wheatberries are particularly delicious in warming winter soups and slow-cooked dishes.

A Grain with Global Heritage

Whole grains like wheatberries have been enjoyed for thousands of years across cultures and cuisines.

One traditional use is kutya, a festive Eastern European dish made from wheatberries, often served during Christmas celebrations. Their versatility and long history have helped make them a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world.

Are Wheatberries Healthy?

As a whole grain, wheatberries retain all of their naturally occurring nutrients, many of which can be lost during the refining process used to make white flour.

Wheatberries are naturally:

  • High in fibre
  • A source of plant-based protein
  • Rich in folate
  • A source of iron
  • Rich in phosphorus
  • Naturally containing zinc and copper
  • A source of vitamin E and B vitamins

Their fibre content can help support digestive health and contributes to a balanced, varied diet.

How to Cook with Wheatberries

Thanks to their firm texture and mild flavour, wheatberries are incredibly versatile.

Try them in:

  • Grain bowls
  • Salads
  • Soups and stews
  • Stuffed vegetables
  • Breakfast porridge
  • Pilafs and side dishes

They can be used anywhere you'd typically use rice, barley or other whole grains, adding extra texture and nuttiness to your cooking.

Why We Love Wheatberries

Wheatberries offer everything we look for in a whole grain: great flavour, satisfying texture and plenty of versatility.

Whether stirred through a vibrant salad, added to a hearty soup or served as the base for a nourishing grain bowl, they're an easy way to add more whole grains to everyday meals.

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