10/08/2026
Let’s do a grain series.
The best one to start with is the ancient grain Einkorn.
Einkorn is the oldest wheat known to scientists, and is considered man’s first wheat. The term einkorn is derived from the German language and interpreted to mean “single grain”. Einkorn wheat is known in taxonomy as either Triticum boeoticum (wild wheat), or Triticum monococcum (domesticated species). Domesticated and wild forms of wheat may be considered either as separate species, or as Triticum monococcum’s subspecies.
Einkorn is the most primitive form of wheat on Earth. It contains only 14 chromosomes, whereas modern wheat contains 42. Einkorn does not have the D chromosome, which seems to be connected with wheat intolerance in many humans.
Einkorn is easier to digest and contains more protein and anti-oxidants than modern wheat.
Einkorn is among hulled wheat’s diploid species, with its grains being tightly enclosed with tough husks, also called the hull. Apart from the larger seeds and the intact nature of the ear when ripe, cultivated forms of einkorn wheat are similar to its wild counterparts. Although einkorn wheat was found in abundance millennia ago, it is limited to only a few regions today. The crop is not often planted, and has become popular as a super food in recent times.
Einkorn’s unique characteristics:
Contains An Entirely Different Type Of Gluten, Compared With Modern Wheat
Most Genetically Primitive Form of Wheat Available On Earth
Very nutrient dense
Let’s start with the hot topic of today – gluten. Einkorn is the most primitive form of wheat and does contain gluten. But there is research and many personal experiences to suggest that it may not be toxic to those with a gluten-intolerance. That’s because the gluten is different, and our bodies are better-equipped to handle it. It only contains the A Genome and not the D Genome (Genome: a full set of Chromosomes; all the inheritable traits of an organism). We care about that because when testing for gluten, the presence of the D Genome is the thing looked for. So, Einkorn passes the test!
The science has still not fully caught up on why so many people can handle einkorn that can’t eat wheat, but the anecdotal evidence is staggering and unmistakable (If you have celiac disease, consult a doctor before trying einkorn).
Also, because of the chromosomal purity of Einkorn (It’s never been hybridized and has only two sets of chromosomes), it’s all-around easier on the digestive system.
Protein
Second only to h**p hearts, einkorn has the highest protein content of any of the grains. It is an excellent source of protein which is amazing, especially if you try to eat more of a plant based diet.
Beta-Carotene
Einkorn, along with its other virtues, contains 3 to 4 times more Beta-Carotene than our wheat today. We like that because beta-carotene is an antioxidant. It protects the body from free radicals that damage our cells and cause some severe illnesses like cancer and heart disease. So making carotenoids like beta-carotene a present part of our diet is a good cancer-prevention tool.
Vitamin A
Healthy skin and mucus membranes, strong immunity, good vision and eye health. These are the reasons we need Vitamin A. It’s essential to our overall health. And Einkorn contains twice the amount of vitamin A than present-day wheats. As a sidenote, it’s preferable to get vitamin A from our food because our body knows what to do with it in that form. Consuming too many Vitamin A supplements can be toxic.
Lutein
Like beta-carotene, lutein is a carotenoid which gives it some of the same perks. It is especially beneficial for our eyes. It helps our retinas to absorb blue light and protects it from those nasty cancer-causing free radicals. And einkorn contains 3 to 4 times more lutein than modern wheats.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is the big kid word for Vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 is essential for a lot of the processes of our cells. It also has cancer-preventative properties, helps with migraines, treats anemia, and helps produce energy. It’s a key vitamin and is much more present in einkorn than in the grains we’re used to – 4 to 5 times more present.
Organic
Einkorn is one of a few wheats that are “hulled.” In hulled wheats, the grain is tightly enclosed by a kind of husk as it grows. This hull has to be removed before the grains can be eaten. This is no small feat and is part of the reason einkorn is more expensive. But there are some virtues to this hull! It can protect the grain from chemical contamination and insects. This means that einkorn can stand on its own two feet or…roots. In other words, it’s much easier to grow organically.
Trace Minerals
Einkorn is considered an excellent source of iron and manganese. Iron is so important in order for oxygen to get to our blood and, through it, to the rest of our bodies. The symptoms of iron deficiency are very unpleasant – extreme fatigue, chest pain or shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness, weakness, etc. Because of menstruation, women are more likely to have an iron deficiency. We definitely want iron rich foods in our diets, and just a half a cup of uncooked einkorn provides 25% of our daily iron need. Manganese is sort of a jack of all trades and is a component for many enzymes, definitely not something we want to be without.
In addition to those, einkorn is an good source of selenium, which is an antioxidant, and zinc. Zinc has a hand in many body process. It’s important for the creation of protein, genetic material, and s***m. It also contributes to taste, healing, sexual maturation, fetal development, and a healthy immune system!
Weight Loss
Einkorn is extremely filling. Because it’s so nutrient dense, it sends messages to your brain that you are full before its modern couterparts. Trust us, you simply can’t eat as much einkorn bread as modern wheat bread. Basically, einkorn is a good grain for weight loss because you get the nutrients you need in fewer calories and feel full faster.
Have you tried Einkorn?
