Where Do Wheat Berries Come From?

unripe wheat stalks

Wheat berries, the ripe fruit of the wheat plant, are becoming a popular addition to the family diet. They can easily be found in some breads in their whole form.

Significance

Wheat berries are the edible fruit of the wheat plant. They are what is left when the grain's hull, which is inedible and serves to protect the fruit, is removed.

Function

Wheat berries are what all wheat products are made from. They may be left whole, cracked or separated into the various parts (the germ, the bran and the endosperm) depending on what it is to be used for.

Types

There are three basic types of wheat: durum, soft and hard, with over 30,000 varieties of these. All wheat produces a berry.

Size

Wheat berries are small fruits with no particular distinguishing features. These kernels, which are unprocessed may be used in a variety of ways.

Misconceptions

When they hear the term "wheat berry," many people think of a more typical type of fruit, like blueberries. However, it is really just another term for unprocessed whole wheat grain.

References

• Epicurious.com: food dictionary
• Open Salon.com: enjoy healthy whole grains