Monday Message - What is a Whole Grain?

A new buzz word for whole grains in the nutrition world is "Ancient" Grains. All Ancient Grains are Whole Grains but not all Whole Grains are Ancient Grains. Wondering what a true Whole Grain is? Read the Kids Eat Right article for more information.

All Ancient grains are whole grains, but not all Whole grains are ancient grains.

Ancient Grains: Amaranth, Spelt, Barley, Bulgur, Einkorn, Farro, Freekeh, Millet, Sorghum, Teff, Quinoa, Steel Oats.

Modern Grains: Pasta, White Rice, Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Grain Cereal, Couscous, Pancakes, Waffles, Quick Oats.

Storytime: Did you know that Quinoa is a native grain to Ecuador and the Latin American region? Sadly, when the European settlers embarked on the South American land they brought white rice with them to which the natives perceived as a sign of affluence and they quit harvesting quinoa and chose to purchase refined white rice instead. Talk about a decline in nutrition! Yikes. Now, with the increased interest in the Nutrition Powerhouse-Quinoa (or the popularity contest) we need those South American countries to get back to their roots in increase exports of this Ancient Grain.