Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) was one of Europe's most important cereals in the early 20th century, but was gradually replaced by wheat for its better cooking qualities.

Spelt is an ancient type of wheat, also known as Triticum spelta, valued for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's a popular choice in health-conscious cooking, often used as a substitute for wheat in grain-based dishes due to its superior nutritional profile and digestibility. Although it contains gluten, some people with gluten sensitivities find spelt more tolerable than other grains.

Nutritional Profile (per 100 grams):

• Calories Approximately 338 kcal.
• Protein About 14.6 grams, providing a good source of plant-based protein.
• Fat About 2.4 grams.
• Carbohydrates About 70.2 grams, with a good amount of fiber.
• Fiber About 10.7 grams, aiding in digestion and blood sugar control.
• Vitamins and Minerals Rich in niacin, thiamine, and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.

Considerations

Spelt is particularly valued for its high fiber and protein content, making it an excellent contribution to heart health and weight management. It is also known for its richness in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Culinary Use Versatile in cooking, it can be used in soups, salads, risottos, pilafs, and baked goods like bread and cookies.

Health Benefits Supports digestive health, cardiovascular health, and contributes to a balanced diet through its high nutrient content.

Storage Should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life.

Industrial Production Process

The production of spelt involves a series of steps that process this ancient grain from harvest to a usable form for consumption. Spelt, known for its nutty flavor, is a popular alternative to wheat because of its higher protein and fiber content. It can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including breads, pastas, and cereals. 

• Cultivation and harvesting. Spelt is grown in various varieties and harvested when the grains are mature.
• Cleaning and grading. After harvest, spelt grains are cleaned to remove impurities such as dust, stones, and other plant residues.
• Drying. The grains are dried using sunlight or artificial methods to reduce moisture content and ensure safe storage.
• Dehulling. Spelt grains are dehulled to remove the outer husk, enhancing digestibility and preparing it for cooking.
• Milling (optional). For some applications, spelt may be ground into flour.
• Packaging. Finally, the cleaned, dehulled, and if necessary, milled spelt is packaged in bags or containers for retail or wholesale distribution.

Over time, the food industry has used different varieties of spelt:

•     Triticum dicoccum Schrank
•     Triticum monococcum L.
•     Triticum durum Desf.

Content and composition of bioactive compounds is reported to vary depending on the geographical location, seasonal variations, varieties used, and the analytical methods followed (1).

Spelt contains, especially in its bran, the outer layer, monounsaturated fatty acids that reduce the risks of arteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol.

Discrete concentrations of zinc and iron were detected in the grains (2).

This study compared 6 different varieties of spelt and concluded that all analyzed spelt varieties possessed high antioxidant potential. In spite of the fact that bound phenolic acids possessed higher antioxidant activities, analysis of antioxidant potential and their relationship with phenolic acid content showed that free phenolics were more effective (3).

The pattern of Triticum monococcum gliadin proteins is sufficiently different from those of common hexaploid wheat to determine a lower toxicity in celiac disease patients following in vitro simulation of human digestion (4).

Spelt studies

References______________________________________________________________________

(1) Dhanavath S, Prasada Rao UJS. Nutritional and Nutraceutical Properties of Triticum dicoccum Wheat and Its Health Benefits: An Overview. J Food Sci. 2017 Oct;82(10):2243-2250. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.13844.

(2) Srinivasa J, Arun B, Mishra VK, Singh GP, Velu G, Babu R, Vasistha NK, Joshi AK. Zinc and iron concentration QTL mapped in a Triticum spelta × T. aestivum cross. Theor Appl Genet. 2014 Jul;127(7):1643-51. doi: 10.1007/s00122-014-2327-6. 

Abstract. Ten QTL underlying the accumulation of Zn and Fe in the grain were mapped in a set of RILs bred from the cross Triticum spelta × T. aestivum . Five of these loci (two for Zn and three for Fe) were consistently detected across seven environments. The genetic basis of accumulation in the grain of Zn and Fe was investigated via QTL mapping in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population bred from a cross between Triticum spelta and T. aestivum. The concentration of the two elements was measured from grain produced in three locations over two consecutive cropping seasons and from a greenhouse trial. The range in Zn and Fe concentration across the RILs was, respectively, 18.8-73.5 and 25.3-59.5 ppm, and the concentrations of the two elements were positively correlated with one another (rp =+0.79). Ten QTL (five each for Zn and Fe accumulation) were detected, mapping to seven different chromosomes. The chromosome 2B and 6A grain Zn QTL were consistently expressed across environments. The proportion of the phenotype explained (PVE) by QZn.bhu-2B was >16 %, and the locus was closely linked to the SNP marker 1101425|F|0, while QZn.bhu-6A (7.0 % PVE) was closely linked to DArT marker 3026160|F|0. Of the five Fe QTL detected, three, all mapping to chromosome 1A were detected in all seven environments. The PVE for QFe.bhu-3B was 26.0 %.

(3) Gawlik-Dziki U, Świeca M, Dziki D. Comparison of phenolic acids profile and antioxidant potential of six varieties of spelt (Triticum spelta L.). J Agric Food Chem. 2012 May 9;60(18):4603-12. doi: 10.1021/jf3011239. 

 Abstract. Phenolic acids profile and antioxidant activity of six diverse varieties of spelt are reported. Antioxidant activity was assessed using eight methods based on different mechanism of action. Phenolic acids composition of spelt differed significantly between varieties and ranged from 506.6 to 1257.4 μg/g DW. Ferulic and sinapinic acids were the predominant phenolic acids found in spelt. Total ferulic acid content ranged from 144.2 to 691.5 μg/g DW. All analyzed spelt varieties possessed high antioxidant potential. In spite of the fact that bound phenolic acids possessed higher antioxidant activities, analysis of antioxidant potential and their relationship with phenolic acid content showed that free phenolics were more effective. Eight antioxidant methods were integrated to obtain a total antioxidant capacity index that may be used for comparison of total antioxidant capacity of spelt varieties. Total antioxidant potential of spelt cultivars were ordered as follows: Ceralio > Spelt INZ ≈ Ostro > Oberkulmer Rotkorn > Schwabenspelz > Schwabenkorn.

 (4) Gianfrani C, Camarca A, Mazzarella G, Di Stasio L, Giardullo N, Ferranti P, Picariello G, Rotondi Aufiero V, Picascia S, Troncone R, Pogna N, Auricchio S, Mamone G. Extensive in vitro gastrointestinal digestion markedly reduces the immune-toxicity of Triticum monococcum wheat: implication for celiac disease. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Sep;59(9):1844-54. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201500126.