Durum Wheat: Everything You Need to Know About Its Uses and Benefits

Durum wheat is a unique species of wheat from typical wheat in its dense, strong texture; it nevertheless has the upper edge with its high protein content. Durum wheat, being the hardest of wheat breeds, is apt for the production of pasta, semolina, and many other commodities. We will henceforth present in this blog post everything you need to know about durum wheat: In short, we will analyze its use in various other outlets and the many direct effects and health benefits it provides. 

What is Durum Wheat?

Durum wheat (Triticum durum)is a type of wheat with a high amount of gluten and protein. It is hard when compared to the soft wheat varieties mostly used for making bread. Mostly, Durum wheat is found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Italy, Canada, and the United States.

Characteristics of Durum Wheat: 

• Hard texture: Durum wheat kernels are much more hardened compared to other wheat varieties.
• High in protein: It has higher protein than the other wheat types.
• Yellow in color: The dense and rich, golden yellow carotenoid content gives durum wheat such a great yellow hue. 

Uses of Durum Wheat

Durum wheat has limitless uses; here are just a few:

1. Pasta: Durum wheat is always known for making the pasta that goes with spaghetti, macaroni, and even lasagna. On account of its high protein content, it makes this type of pasta more durable and less likely to go bad when cooked. 
2. Semolina: Semolina flour is made by grinding durum wheat into a dull, coarse flour. It is used in an array of foods such as couscous and bread and desserts. And, it can be used to thicken various types of porridge.
3. Bread and Bakery Products: Durum wheat is not eaten in bread. However, it is often used in Mediterranean bread like focaccia. It is combined with other flours for making aromatic and robust bread.
4. Couscous: It is semolina of durum wheat that makes couscous, which is a traditionally North African food. Typically, it is mixed with vegetables, meats, and a sauce.
5. Other Processed Foods: Durum wheat is also used in breakfast cereals, snacks, and even some cakes and cookies. 

Health Properties Of Durum Wheat

Who said durum wheat wasn’t tasty when it’s also so high in nutritional content! Find out more about Durum wheat’s fascinating nutritional facts:

1. High in Protein: It is accepted generally that durum wheat has a higher protein content compared to the other varieties. This makes it an ideal source of vegetable protein for vegetarians and vegans. 

2. High Fiber Content: Durum wheat contains too much study fiber, really essential to officer the health of your digestion. Fiber helps to hold bulk in your stool so it is more comfortable for your body to release it. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements in order to help prevent constipation and maintain good gut health. 

3. Vitamins and Minerals: 

• B-vitamins: Essential B-vitamins like niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin are found in durum wheat. They all provide help in energy production as well as helping in the functioning of the nervous system. 
• Minerals: It is a prominent source of iron, magnesium, and zinc, and other minerals useful in keeping you looking good and healthy-immune, skeleton, muscle. 

4. Antioxidants: Durum wheat is enriched with carotenoids that give it a very bright yellow color. They counteract oxidative stress and inflammation.  

Health Benefits of Durum Wheat

Including Durum wheat helps you achieve various advantages; some examples are:

1. Heart Health Booster: Durum wheat is rich in dietary fiber, which regulates cholesterol levels in the body- ultimately lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fiber helps control blood pressure and maintains overall heart health. 
2. Aids in Digestion: Since durum wheat is high in fiber, it helps with digestion. Fiber adds bulk to stool, makes it much easier to pass and prevents constipation. It benefits our gut health by supporting healthy gut bacteria. 
3. Weight Management: Foods made with durum wheat make you feel full for more extended periods due to the high fiber and protein content. This can aid in preventing snacking and help in promoting weight loss. 
4. Blood Sugar Control: Durum wheat has been proven to have a low GI that is low for other wheat varieties. It has a slower effect on blood sugar levels, which is of help to diabetics or anyone seeking sugar regulation. 
5. Energy Booster: With this high protein and carbohydrate content, durum wheat gives you energy that’s quite smooth when eaten. This then would produce a great storehouse of energy-hungry foods for athletes, or simply for a long day. 

Durum Wheat VS Other Wheat Types

Have you ever considered how durum wheat stands against other varieties of wheat, including the general and soft wheats? Here is a kind of comparison chart:

• Texture: Durum wheat has a more superior texture than soft wheat. This makes it ideal for making pasta, semolina, etc., which require a high level of toughness that will stand the cooking time. 
• Protein: Amongst wheat varieties, the protein in durum is more than soft wheat. This is preferred for recipes where the desired structure and firmness aren’t easy to come by. 
• Gluten: Yes, durum wheat possesses a gluten-like composition that allows dough to rise and makes pasta elastic or chewy. For those few with Celiac disease or gluten allergy, wheat may not be the best idea.

How Durum Wheat is Processed

Several methods are used to process the durum wheat from harvesting to consumption. A sequence of them is listed below:

• Harvesting: The durum wheat reach the completions of its growth in summer. Fully ripe grains are harvested and subsequently dried for the milling process.
• Milling: The grains are milled, depending on end usage, or to obtain finely or coarsely ground semolina or whole wheat flour. The coarser grind is most commonly known as semolina while flour obtained from the same wheat is finely ground and utilized in pasta production.
• Cooking: Most durum wheat products like pasta are recognized as dried products, and therefore, they must be cooked before consuming. This sturdiness in texture ensures that pasta doesn’t soak too easily and mush during cooking.

Interesting Facts About Durum Wheat

Furthermore, here are some interesting facts one may not be conversant with concerning durum wheat:

• An eminent constituent for Italian pasta: Being the preeminent type of wheat utilizing in making authentic pasta from Italy, durum wheat commands an eminent position.
• Canada is among the biggest producers of durum wheat: Canada is well reputed for high-end production of durum wheat, which is mostly exported to various corners of the globe.
• Durum wheat is an ancient crop: It dates back to the Middle Eastern civilizations and has been grown continuously for thousands of years. 

Conclusion: Reasons for Adding Durum Wheat to Your Diet

Durum wheat is a versatile, nutritious, and delightful thing to have in our daily food. When you are having pasta, couscous, or semolina in the diet, you are blessed with the nutrients of the good-for-you durum wheat. High protein, fiber, and antioxidant content makes it an excellent choice to get in good health and taste buds. 

Your next option is to somehow get more durum wheat-based goods into your diet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, snacks, whatever! It’s very versatile in the kitchen for various uses and serves the purpose of all the mentioned health advantages.