If it looks like a cat and meows like a cat, then it’s a cat, right? When it comes to farro, that’s not necessarily the case.
Although it can be easily confused with gluten-free grains like brown rice, farro is actually a variety of wheat , meaning it is not gluten-free. So if you are intolerant or gluten sensitive, you will want to keep Farro away from your pantry.
Farro properties and benefits
Farro is a type of wheat, which means it contains gluten proteins, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Unlike most wheat, this is usually independently referenced, such as quinoa, which is a gluten-free grain. For this reason, it may be easy to overlook the fact that farro is, in fact, wheat. It also doesn’t help that it closely resembles brown rice, making it easy to confuse them.
Farro (also known as emmer) is one of the earliest forms of wheat and originated in the Central Mediterranean region. Possessing the whole grain, it is rich in nutrients such as fiber and calcium , which are mostly under-consumed by most adults. It exceeds 15 grams of protein for every 100 grams and has a high fiber content (7 to 10%). As for hydrates, it has 65% and hardly contributes fat (3%).
It is easy to chew and has a nutty flavor , it is also prepared in water or broth, such as rice. The grain is generally eaten as whole wheat grains, making it a nutritious addition to soups, salads, or almost any meal.
Alternatives to this cereal (for celiacs)
If you are looking to add some grains to your daily diet but want to avoid gluten, there are many alternatives that you can consider. Quinoa, buckwheat, rice, and millet are some fairly close comparisons and are easy to trade for wheat.
However, even though grains like brown rice or millet are naturally gluten-free, you should always check the packaging. First, read the ingredient list to verify that there are no wheat, rye or barley based ingredients in the grains you are buying. Or look for a gluten-free label on the package.
If you want to make sure a food product is gluten-free, look for a gluten-free label or seal on the packaging. Always check the nutrition panel and ingredient list too!
