This week I'm baking a very hearty bread indeed: A delicious rustic ancient grain Spelt Sourdough bread that goes through a 24 hour multi stage fermentation with fresh organic spelt flour that I mill myself prior to creating the dough. Before the wheat we know today, there was spelt, an ancient 8,000-year-old relative of durum. This grain hasn’t been crossed with any other species of wheat, making it purer than most modern wheat. I must admit I wasn't expecting this bread to be as satisfying as it turned out to be! The taste is so rich, the texture is perfect, I mill the spelt a little coarsely and the nigella seeds and millet add a gratifying crunchiness and burst of flavor.
Made From: 50% Organic Spelt Flour, 50% Bread Flour, Nigella Seeds, Organic Millet Seeds, Himalayan Sea Salt, Water, Wild Yeast (Sourdough Starter)
Health Benefits of Spelt
Research shows that this ancient cousin of modern wheat provides significant health benefits. Spelt is a healthier alternative to conventional wheat and in whole-grain form like in this case, spelt provides more essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as:Vitamins B1, B3, B6, E, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium & Zinc.
In addition, Spelt is an excellent source of fiber which helps to reduce blood sugar spikes after eating by slowing your digestion. Fiber from whole grains may also help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The fiber and other nutrients in spelt can help to improve the health of the good bacteria that live in your digestive system and reduces inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds:
In addition to it's culinary uses, Nigella is also known for it's medicinal properties and was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat ailments such as digestive issues and inflammatory skin conditions. Nigella is packed with antioxidants, has been shown to be especially effective at lowering cholesterol and has antibacterial properties.
Health Benefits of Millet
Millet boasts high protein, fiber, and antioxidant contents. It's rich in soluble fiber, may lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.