[WorkingClassFilth]

Hello everyone,

This year we’re thinking of planting some wheat in a small back field. Actually, we’re thinking of planting some ancient wheat or, at least, wheat from before the green revolution breeding programs in the wake of WWII. The reason is that some claims are being made about proteins in modern grains being the underlying cause of many food allergies; especially gluten intolerance. Another reason is because we would like to try the tastes of long ago.

Years ago I worked in the milling industry. The chief chemist in that mill lab told me at that time that literature of the past had recorded values as high as 18% protein for wheat grown on virgin prairie soils. Any way you slice it, that’d be a different tasting bread. What did bread actually taste like 150 years ago; or 1,500 years for that matter?

My question to y’all: anyone have any experience or background in this area and what have been your experiences? Do you have any favorite grains to grow and where do you get homestead quantities of seed?

[Black Agnes]

I think I’ve seen a source named in the ‘Wheat Belly’ book or in the associated blog. Dr. Davis implied that although the modern proteins weren’t present in the ancient wheats that there might be the same underlying problem with them. It might be worth a try though. I’ve thought about doing the same thing. We’re going to grow rice and millet this year.

Keep us posted on your progres. I’m interested in how you do with this little project.

[greeneyes]

I grow a heirloom variety of Hard Red Winter Wheat. My original purchase came from Bountiful Gardens. They have quite a few grains and fibers as well as books and booklets you can purchase.

www.bountifulgardens.org

There is also a very handy chart on compost crop applications that I find useful when I am planning my gardens.

Anyone else have a great source for early grains?

[goosie]

I haven't grown wheat but before I baked bread the last time, I sprouted some of the wheat and some quinoa and then put the sprouts in the dehydrator before grinding. I didn't use all sprouted wheat but when I ground it, the grassy smell was very distinct. The baked bread wasn't all that different but it was supposed to have upped the nutrition

[Free Vulcan]

I’ve tried to grow every type of grain and oilseed I can find, and save enough seeds to expand production if time gets worse.

Where I get seeds, a couple of larger quantity ones first:

Organic Growers Supply (Fedco seeds): http://www.fedcoseeds.com/ogs/search.php - they have spring and winter wheat in addition to other grains and oilseeds. I bought some Montana Hard Winter wheat from them last year, which they don’t sell now, they’ve switched to Warthog.

Shumway: http://www.rhshumway.com/dc.asp?c1=Farm+Seeds&c=233 - no wheat but sorghum, field corn, and minor grains

Johnnys: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/c-4-cover-cropsfarm-seeds.aspx - I plant their Glenn Spring Wheat and Hulless Oats.

Peaceful Valley: http://www.groworganic.com - they sell their grains as cover crops but I use some of them as grain crops now.

As greeneyes said, Bountiful Gardens sells small quantities, I grow their kamut, hulless barley, quinoa, oilseed radish, proso millet

Baker Creek: http://www.rareseeds.com - has small packets of various grains

Southern Exposure: http://www.southernexposure.com has grains including upland rice.

Fedco Seed: http://www.fedcoseeds.com - has wheat and other grains and upland rice.

Hope that helps.

[painter]

we’re thinking of planting some ancient wheat or, at least, wheat from before the green revolution breeding programs in the wake of WWII.

Where did you find the seeds?