What Is Cracked Wheat?
- Cracked wheat is composed of whole wheat berries that are cracked by running them under cylinders that crush the berries into smaller pieces. There are many types of grains that are cracked and are used for human consumption and animal fodder. Many of its nutrients are in the outer shell of the wheat berries.
- Cracked wheat has a long history. Dating back to 4,000 B.C., it has been consumed by many ancient cultures. Romans called bulgur or cracked wheat "cerealis," which is where we get the English version for the popular breakfast food "cereal." It is also common in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.
- Cracked wheat has a myriad of uses. It can be used as a dietary supplement. It is considered to be one of the more heart-healthy foods available. Bakers have long used it as an added feature in their breads; it adds a nice dimension to what may otherwise be a simple bread with limited nutritional value. It is also nice to mix in with rice pilaf, or to serve in place of couscous. For information on ways to cook cracked wheat, check out the resource below.
- Many stores will carry cracked wheat in bulk. It is not cooked. When you bring it home, it will need to be stored in a cool dry place. If it is not used within a year, it should be disposed of.
- People who are concerned with heart disease look for foods that are high in fiber. Leading the way in the battle against heart disease is food made with cracked wheat. Such foods include: bran, germ of wheat and endosperm. Antioxidants are present in great numbers in all parts of the wheat berries in cracked-wheat products.
