All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Einkorn.com provided me with samples in order to facilitate this review.
Summer vacations in Sardinia always bring us back to our roots, one of which is the appreciation for food. Albeit I love Italian food, I unfortunately have to avoid grains due to a mild gluten-intolerance. Avoid crusty bread, pasta, and pizza in Italy? Practically impossible. On a positive note, whenever I consume grains while in Italy I’ve noticed that the side effects from gluten are not as significant as they are when I consume the same foods in North America. I discovered that the quality of flour Italians use is key, and healthier grains such as Einkorn flour are readily available in local markets.
What is Einkorn?
Einkorn flour, known in Italy as farro piccolo, is one of the most primitive and ancient forms of wheat, and is far more nutritious than modern day wheat. Since milled einkorn grains are much smaller than modern wheat grains they are more easily absorbed into the body. Einkorn flour has also been found to lack some of the proteins that people with gluten intolerances can’t manage to digest, which makes it an ideal option for those with gluten sensitivities.
A few years ago a friend introduced to Einkorn flour – and I loved it. Since Einkorn wheat has a low yield and is difficult to find in local grocery stores, my love affair with it was short-lived and ended there. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I rediscovered it with Einkorn.com.
Einkorn.com prides itself in restoring precious ancient grains that come from around the world and bringing them to your dinner table. Not only do they produce high quality einkorn four, they also boast a a variety of other nutritious grains such as spelt, amaranth, quinoa, and hemp hearts. My friends at Einkorn.com provided me with two 5 lbs. bags of their Ancient Grains flour to facilitate this review, and I can say that I’m already planning a pizza party with the remaining unused flour!
The verdict: For this review, I prepared malloreddus, small, dumpling-like Sardinian gnocchi. Firstly, einkorn flour has a slightly nutty flavour which resulted in tastier and more flavourful gnocchi. Secondly, it was much softer and more malleable than white flour, which made working with the dough much easier and resulted in lighter and fluffier gnocchi. In terms of my gluten sensitivity, I noticed that the morning-after side effects (i.e., sinus congestion, headache, foggy-brain, etc.) were much less significant than when I consume all-purpose flour. For all of these reasons, I highly recommend this product to those with mild gluten sensitivities, or anyone simply interested in trying a high quality, product, free from genetically modified ingredients.
On that note, my friends at Einkorn.com are giving away one 5 lb. bag of their einkorn flour to one lucky Bites for Foodies’ follower. To enter, simply comment below!
*This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents and will run for one week. It will close at 11:59pm EST on May 16th, 2017.
Wow, this sure sounds and looks really interesting. I agree that shunning pasta, pizza, and breads while you’re in Italy is next to impossible. Good thing flour like this is now available. Although we do not have gluten-intolerance, should be a wise decision to switch to something like this, too.
I had been having stomachache and headache recently and I think it’s because of gluten. I used to only take gluten-free organic quinoa. This week I tried brown rice so it may be just the culprit. This ancient grain is a nice alternative.
This is very interesting! I have never heard of Einkorn. It sounds as if it will be a great alternative for my daughter as it sounds as it is easy on the stomach.
This was so educational to me. I have never heard of this flour but I will be sharing it with my gluten free friends. Also, funny how over the years even with technology we are worse off in terms of food
I have never heard of Einkorn but it sounds like a great flour choice. I have been trying to reduce my gluten intake for various reasons and this sounds like a promising option for me. I would love to try this flour and do some baking this weekend!
I am excited to enter this giveaway. I have never used a product like this before, and I would like to experiment with it. I may have to purchase some even if I do not win!
I had not heard of this but looks fantastic. I love experimenting with new baking brands. I’d love to win and try some. erinnsluka@gmail
I’ve never heard of this flour before, but I do have friends looking for healthy gluten free options!
I’ve never heard of Einkorn flour before. I will have to share this with my daughter who is always looking for gluten-free products
This is so interesting. It’s amazing to learn how the things we make now often fail to compare to the quality of those things made in ‘ancient’ times despite our advances in technology. Even our food!
Ive heard of the great benefits of einkorn but haven’t tried it yet. Here’s my chance. I also want to learn to make sourdough, breakfast items. Fingers crossed.
I’m crossing my fingers for you too! 😉
It’s gluten-free and it’s nice. I’d also love to try ancient grains flour. How’s the baking experience and time different when making pizza? How about the taste differences?
Baking time and results were the same! It had a little bit more flavour than traditional flour!
I have never heard of Einkorn flour, but that’s great to hear that it did not create the issues from gluten that you normally experience. I’m sure a lot of gluten-intolerant people will be interested in learning about this flour.
Definitely! It surprises me that a lot of people don’t even know about it!
This sounds really delicious! I haven’t tried anything like this before, it may be worth a shot!
This sounds great! I have never heard of this grain but it sounds like something I want to try. I love that you relate this to roots and a love for food. I love the story and the connections. Definitely want to give this a try.
Thank you Crystal!
As a person with gluten sensitivities, I find this interesting! It sounds delicious with its nutty flavor and I love how you described working with it. I might just need to try this flour out.
Hey, if this is giveaway is to Canadians (*thank you!!) do you know which chain of grocery stores carries their flour? I would love to switch from our regular brand to this. It sounds like it would be much easier to digest and easier on my tummy.
Hi Heather! Yes, Canadians can enter (your just did, lol!). To be honest, I haven’t seen this flour at any grocery store! You can order it online though!
I have never heard of this grain. I too have been expierimenting with different flours so I will have to look into this. I love gnocchi.
How fun to run into a post about Einkorn flour! I’ve been experimenting the past year with some of the ancient grains and they’re wonderful. My favorite recipe has to be the einkorn bread from Tartine No. 3. Have you tried it?
No, I have never heard of it! Now you have me curious!
I would love to win and add Eikorn to my repertoire!
Good luck!
I am wondering what effect this will have on blood sugar. I would love to try it.
Oh wow, I have never heard of this grain. But I think I totally need to learn more and try it. Entering giveaway now.
I promise i never heard of Einkorn before. Didnt realize it was an ancient grain. Great for people who eat for a gluten-free lifestyle.
Oh wow! I’ve never heard of this grain and would love to try this. I am not sure if I have a gluten intolerance but I do function better when I am eating less gluten, so maybe? I have started to become more “whole” when I am buying my products, so this would work perfectly, especially when I begin baking again.
I’m very intrigued… I’ve heard of other ancients grains but never einkorn. I’d love to give it a try.
You should do some research…it’s an amazing product!
I love trying grains and flours new to me. I would love to try this!
Thanks for entering! Good luck!
wow, sounds interesting. Would love to know more about this grain and try it.
Susie
You’d love it! Good luck 😉