Wheat and Spelt - Differences

Spelt is making a (comeback) – around 1900, it was the most commonly used grain in our region, but it was soon replaced by wheat. However, in recent years, we have begun to appreciate it again. It is often praised as a little miracle. How much truth is there in the praise that Hildegard of Bingen already had for it in the Middle Ages? And what is the difference between wheat and spelt? Why is spelt more expensive? We explore these and more questions.

Does spelt taste different from wheat?

Yes. Spelt actually has a slightly different but equally fine flavor. It is pleasantly nutty and gives whole grain breads a rich note. But don’t worry – wheat and spelt don’t differ too much in taste. So you can confidently bake desserts with spelt flour as well.

Is spelt healthier than wheat?

The differences between wheat and spelt are partly explained by their nutrient content. Whether one grain is healthier than the other cannot be said in general. However, wheat allergy sufferers (not to be confused with gluten intolerance!) report better tolerance of spelt. This could be because the gluten protein in spelt has a different composition.

On average, spelt contains slightly more trace elements like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Its protein content is also higher – spelt therefore contains more gluten than wheat. Which brings us directly to the next question:

Can I bake with spelt just as well as with wheat?

Yes! Spelt flour is available in different degrees of fineness, just like wheat flour. It is excellent for baking as well as for making pasta and semolina. Spelt dough does not differ noticeably from wheat dough because it is the gluten that holds the dough together.

Why is spelt more expensive than wheat?

Spelt is a hulled grain. Its ear is surrounded by a tough husk that is not easily opened by threshing to get to the grain inside. Wheat is much easier to process in this respect and therefore more productive. That is why it replaced spelt at the beginning of the 20th century. The fact that spelt still requires a more labor-intensive harvesting process today accounts for the price difference between wheat and spelt.