THE ANCIENT SEEDS PROJECT
Organic farming is for us the precondition for any discussion. Therefore, we have been asking ourselves: Why do modern wheat plants are so different from those grown by our grandparents?
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In cooperation with the Istituto per la Cerealicoltura in Foggia and with some private research centres, we have been doing research for 19 years, examining two populations of Emmer Spelt (Triticum Dicoccum) native to the valleys of the area around the city of Gubbio (Perugia), Einkorn wheat (Triticum Monococcum) and Khorasan wheat (Triticum Turanicum), an ancient grain known with different trade names.
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This study has paid off handsomely and led to a number of really interesting findings, which affect many aspects of nutrition science. We are indeed able to give our spelt varieties a genetic identity.
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That’s why the selection process of the crops grown by Agribosco is carried out using natural techniques.
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Since we were satisfied with these results, we have decided to widen the area of research, investigating different varieties of cereals and legumes. Our main goal is indeed to preserve the value of genuine products, biodiversity and health as a whole.
KHORASAN WHEAT
Research has shown that the Triticum turanicum, also known as oriental wheat, Khorasan wheat or turanicum wheat, has a better quality and better properties than common wheat. Khorasan wheat contains numerous microelements, proteins and vitamins. It is above all rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), magnesium, potassium and manganese. Moreover, compared to common wheat, it has higher levels of zinc, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and amino acids. It contains gluten and has high levels of proteins, therefore it is used to prepare pasta and Turkish pilaf, or it can be cooked with soups and salads. Khorasan flour, which has unique properties, is widely used in vegetarian and vegan food.
EMMER WHEAT
Emmer wheat is a very ancient cereal which is closely related to wheat. After the threshing, the seed is still wrapped in the lower gloom, therefore it needs to be processed and hulled. Pearled wheat is then obtained through the process of pearling: not only has it a more delicate taste than hulled spelt, it also has a lighter colour and a lower cooking time. Pearled wheat flour is used to bake a very aromatic wholemeal bread. Moreover, pearled wheat has a rustic flavour and is suitable for the preparation of wholemeal pasta, tasty soups, risotto and salads. Several farms have been growing this wheat variety, obtaining an extremely refined product with numerous dietary properties.
TRITICUM MONOCOCCUM
Triticum monococcum is also known as einkorn wheat and small spelt – because of the seed’s dimension. It is a variety of cereals belonging to the gramineus family. Small spelt is a rustic food with a very low environmental impact and a high nutritional profile; it can be distinguished from soft and durum wheat because of the high content of fats, potassium, beta-carotene and magnesium. It is therefore an effective antioxidant and plays an essential role in the cell-metabolism. Moreover, it is also recommended during pregnancy, since it contains vitamin E (tocopherol), zinc, iron and manganese. Agribosco is currently selecting varieties of Triticum monococcum, which may be suitable for the production of bread and bakery products.
DINKEL WHEAT
Dinkel wheat is an ancient spelt variety, which is also the closest one to soft wheat. It is rich in gluten and fiber – dinkel flour has an intense flavour, a dark colour and it is used to prepare biscuits, rustic bread and a particular beer. This spelt variety is low in fat but rich in B vitamins, riboflavin, soluble fibers and minerals. It gives a feeling of satiety despite the fact that it is low in calories. It also contains micronutrients such as iron, manganese, cobalt and copper. Unlike other cereal varieties, dinkel wheat contains methionine, an essential amino acid. The germ is rich in bran and essential oils, which facilitate the intestinal motility.
PRODUCTION POLICY
Our partner farms are committed to following a strict production policy, which guarantees high-quality standards and environmental preservation.
The key points of the production policy are:
that the sowing is done with seeds provided and certified by AGRIBOSCO S.r.l. in compliance to the "Ancient Seeds" project;
that every partner complies with the requirements laid down in the EEC Regulation 834/07 on organic farming;
that both the environment and the crops are preserved, targeting a balanced and sustainable land use.