I couldn't find an all-inclusive discussion on this forum (and I hope this is the correct location for the topic) reguarding wheat berries. Tastythreads’ thread, What's a good price to pay for wheat berries? got me thinking more about wheat berries. So, I started some research on the questions I had and posted below. Additionally, I would like some feedback from those who are more experienced with using/storing wheat berries, as my research is only academic in nature :
1) What are wheat berries? The term wheatberry or wheat berry refers to the entire wheat kernel (except for the hull), composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm. Wheatberries have a tan to reddish brown color and are available as either a hard or soft processed grain. They are often added to salads or baked into bread to add a crunchy texture. If wheat berries are milled whole-wheat flour is produced. (Wikipedia)
2) WHY wheat berries? In James Rawles’ book, How to Survive The End of the World as we Know It, he states “Grain storage is a crucial aspect of family preparedness…. I do not recommend storing flour, as it keeps for only two or three years. Whole wheat stores for thirty-plus years, maintaining 80 percent or more of its nutritional value. Buy whole grains and a hand wheat grinder.”
3) How should wheat berries be stored long term? From my research, it seems the most common and practical way to store wheat berries is inside of food grade plastic buckets using a few oxygen absorber packet (bugs cannot survive in the bucket with the oxygen absorbing packets). Here is a great blog on the subject with pictures and how-to’s. This blogger recommends asking local bakeries for their used and empty icing buckets.
Additionally, mylar bags are a viable and useful option. At survivalmom.com, she states: One reason mylar is so popular is because it can be re-sealed over and over. Just remember to add a new oxygen absorber each time. In an evacuation, these smaller packages would be easier to grab and pack. This YouTube video shows how to store wheat berries in a mylar bag.
4) Cost: There seems to be a very wide variety of price points for wheat berries in bulk. Refer to tastythreads' thread on this forum reguarding cost.
5) Preparation: There are any number of ways to prepare wheatberries in a meal. James Rawles recommends the easiest preparation of all: soaked wheat berries. "By simply soaking for 24 to 36 hours, whole grain wheat plumps and softens into berries. When then heated, wheat berries make a nutritious breakfast cereal." You can also hand grind them into wheat flour. Chefinyou.com: Due to their nutty taste and chewy texture they are used in soups and stews. They are also added to breads either cooked or sprouted. They are especially excellent as salads when combined with citrusy flavors. They can also be added along with other whole grains to make a simple yet delicious pilafs. Wheat berries can also be sprouted to grow wheat grass which is extemely good for you (often, it is juiced) and a very powerful detoxifier and healer.
6) Flour: Perhaps the most widespread use is to mill your wheat berries into usable flour. The wheat berries store FAR longer than already milled flour. There are a number of ways to mill your own from a hand cranked mill to an electric one. Here is a thread on Survivalist Forum that talks about different mills and electric vs. hand crank. Another good thread is Why do I need a grain mill?
1) What are wheat berries? The term wheatberry or wheat berry refers to the entire wheat kernel (except for the hull), composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm. Wheatberries have a tan to reddish brown color and are available as either a hard or soft processed grain. They are often added to salads or baked into bread to add a crunchy texture. If wheat berries are milled whole-wheat flour is produced. (Wikipedia)
2) WHY wheat berries? In James Rawles’ book, How to Survive The End of the World as we Know It, he states “Grain storage is a crucial aspect of family preparedness…. I do not recommend storing flour, as it keeps for only two or three years. Whole wheat stores for thirty-plus years, maintaining 80 percent or more of its nutritional value. Buy whole grains and a hand wheat grinder.”
3) How should wheat berries be stored long term? From my research, it seems the most common and practical way to store wheat berries is inside of food grade plastic buckets using a few oxygen absorber packet (bugs cannot survive in the bucket with the oxygen absorbing packets). Here is a great blog on the subject with pictures and how-to’s. This blogger recommends asking local bakeries for their used and empty icing buckets.
Additionally, mylar bags are a viable and useful option. At survivalmom.com, she states: One reason mylar is so popular is because it can be re-sealed over and over. Just remember to add a new oxygen absorber each time. In an evacuation, these smaller packages would be easier to grab and pack. This YouTube video shows how to store wheat berries in a mylar bag.
4) Cost: There seems to be a very wide variety of price points for wheat berries in bulk. Refer to tastythreads' thread on this forum reguarding cost.
5) Preparation: There are any number of ways to prepare wheatberries in a meal. James Rawles recommends the easiest preparation of all: soaked wheat berries. "By simply soaking for 24 to 36 hours, whole grain wheat plumps and softens into berries. When then heated, wheat berries make a nutritious breakfast cereal." You can also hand grind them into wheat flour. Chefinyou.com: Due to their nutty taste and chewy texture they are used in soups and stews. They are also added to breads either cooked or sprouted. They are especially excellent as salads when combined with citrusy flavors. They can also be added along with other whole grains to make a simple yet delicious pilafs. Wheat berries can also be sprouted to grow wheat grass which is extemely good for you (often, it is juiced) and a very powerful detoxifier and healer.
6) Flour: Perhaps the most widespread use is to mill your wheat berries into usable flour. The wheat berries store FAR longer than already milled flour. There are a number of ways to mill your own from a hand cranked mill to an electric one. Here is a thread on Survivalist Forum that talks about different mills and electric vs. hand crank. Another good thread is Why do I need a grain mill?