Khorasan (also known by its trademark name - Kamut) grain is an ancient relative of modern durum wheat and originated in the Fertile Crescent of the Old
World thousands of years ago. After a long period of
oblivion, this grain was rediscovered and has now found
an important place in contemporary diets. Superior in
both taste and nutrition, it can be substituted for
common wheat with great success.
The complete nutritional analysis of khorasan grain
substantiates that it is higher in energy than other
wheats. Compared to common wheat, it is high in eight
of nine minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. It has
been found to contain much more of the natural
antioxidant selenium and is 30% higher in the similarly
important vitamin E. The grain also contains up to 65%
more amino acids and boasts more lipids and fatty
acids. The most striking superiority of khorasan is found in
its protein level, up to 40% higher than the national
average for wheat. Because of its higher percentage of
lipids, which produce more energy in the body than
carbohydrates, khorasan can be described as a "high
energy grain." khorasan was named one of the ten best
foods by whole foods author David Goldbeck.
For those suffering wheat sensitivities, khorasan
products also play a unique role. Research studies
concluded "For most wheat sensitive people, khorasan
grain can be an excellent substitute for common
wheat." Whilst Khorasan may be tolerated by many people
with wheat sensitivities we must caution anyone with Coeliac
Disease that it contains gluten and should be totally avoided.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the
introduction and cultivation of khorasan grain is that it is an
important new crop for sustainable agriculture. This
grain's ability to produce high quality yields without
the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides makes it
an excellent crop for organic farming.
Sources:
- 'Kamut',Dynamic Vegies,VEG OUT,Vol.2 Issue 2 Paul Pitchford
- Healing with Wholefoods, North Atlantic Books, 1993
- The Kamut Association of North America:http://www.kamut.com/
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