Cracked Wheat for Dummies

Cracked wheat is a term used to describe a specific type of grain that has been processed in a way that makes it easier and faster to cook and consume. But before we delve into that, let's take a step back and understand what exactly wheat is. Have you ever noticed those golden fields swaying gently in the wind? Well, those are wheat fields! Wheat is a type of cereal grain that is grown all around the world. It's like the superstar of grains because it's used to make so many different foods that we love, such as bread, pasta, and even some breakfast cereals. Now, imagine taking a single wheat kernel and examining it closely. Inside that tiny kernel, there are three key parts: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. These parts each have unique properties that make wheat so nutritious. The bran is like the protective layer of the kernel. It contains lots of fiber, which is great for our digestion and makes us feel full. The endosperm is the starchy part of the kernel that provides us with energy, while the germ is the embryo or the baby plant that could grow into a wheat plant. It contains important vitamins and minerals that are crucial for our overall health. When it comes to cracked wheat, the wheat kernels have been specially processed to break them into smaller pieces. This is done by passing them through a mill or millstones, kind of like how we might break a piece of chalk into smaller bits.

These smaller pieces of wheat, which we call cracked wheat, cook faster and are easier to digest. They can be used in a variety of dishes, like soups, stews, and salads. And the best part is that they retain all the goodness of the whole wheat kernel since they still contain the bran, endosperm, and germ. Using an analogy, imagine you have a whole orange in your hand. You could peel it and eat it just like that, but it may take some time and effort. However, if you were to slice the orange into small segments, it would be much easier and quicker to eat. That's essentially what happens with wheat when it's cracked. It becomes more convenient and accessible for us to enjoy. Now, let's talk about a couple of different definitions of cracked wheat. In some places, cracked wheat refers specifically to a type of wheat called bulgur, which is made by parboiling the wheat kernels and then cracking them. Bulgur is commonly used in dishes like tabbouleh and pilaf. However, cracked wheat can also refer more broadly to any type of wheat that has been broken into smaller pieces. This can include other forms like coarse wheat meal and wheat berries that have been cracked. It's like a big family of wheat products that share the same characteristic of being broken down. So, to sum it all up, cracked wheat refers to wheat that has been processed by breaking it into smaller pieces, making it quicker and easier to cook and consume. It can be used in a variety of dishes and contains all the goodness of the whole wheat kernel, offering us a nutritious and tasty way to enjoy this amazing grain.