Elwha River Hulless Winter Spelt is a spelt variety that was developed by Washington State University's plant breeder, Kevin Murphy, with the name commemorating the removal of two nonessential dams on the Olympic Peninsula River to encourage habitat and salmon restoration.
Hummingbird began growing Elwha River Hulless Winter Spelt in 2017 and James Henderson, Hummingbird's Senior Farm Liaison, collaborated with Murphy to bring our crop to market. "There’s nothing bad to say about this spelt! Unlike most spelts, Elwha is hulless, making it more cost effective and efficient to produce than conventional varieties. In a good year, most spelts yield about 1,200 pounds per acre, but Elwha is putting out nearly 4,500 pounds per acre. And because it outcompetes weeds, it is easy to grow organically." This means a better outcome for farmers and more accessibility for consumers. What we call a win-win! Over the years, Hummingbird has worked with farmers in several different growing regions throughout the greater Pacific Northwest, as a way to better understand where this crop thrives and to reduce the risk of climate change impacts on yields. Currently, Hummingbird is working with growers in Idaho, Washington and Oregon to produce Organic Elwha River Hulless Winter Spelt.
Our resident baker, Livin' Adkins, uses Spelt all the time. "I use Spelt flour when baking all kinds of things, from southern-style biscuits to rustic country loaves.
The quality and structure of the Spelt flour lends itself to both cookies and quick breads such as muffins or scones, as well as to yeast or naturally leavened breads like focaccia, pan loaves and whole grain loaves.
Usually, for the leavened breads, I build in percentages of Spelt with other wheat flours to achieve the target chewiness and rise." Spelt flour is high in protein, which, in wheat, has come to be synonymous with gluten. Gluten is made up of two parts, Gliadin which gives dough extensibility, or its stretchiness, and Glutenin which imparts elasticity, or the tendency to spring back into place, and helps dough to hold its shape. Spelt seems to be abundant in Gliadin, but lacks Glutenin - compared to other high protein wheat flours. "So, it stretches nicely, but it doesn't have the structure to hold its shape or bounce back. To adjust, it requires less kneading, closely watched rising times, and a little less hydration when used in leavened breads."
Central Washington: Elwha River Hulless Winter Spelt in May.
Potential Health Benefits1*
Spelt is a rich source of fiber, manganese, niacin and contributes 28% of the recommended daily value of phosphorus (for a half cup of uncooked spelt berries). Phosphorus has been shown to be useful in so many places in the body, especially the bones and teeth. The nutrients found in Spelt are water soluble, which means they are very accessible to the body.
- Cardiovascular problems – With a high content of soluble fiber, Spelt may aid in the elimination of LDL (bad cholesterol) and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Blood sugar - Studies show that a high-fiber diet may help prevent type 2 diabetes, lower insulin and blood sugar levels, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride (fats in the blood) levels in people with diabetes.
- Aids digestion – Consuming high fiber foods can support healthy digestion, as it essentially passes through our system without being absorbed by digestive enzymes in the stomach, taking waste and toxins with it and removing them from the gut.
- Gluten allergen - Spelt is NOT for those with celiac disease, but it can be great for people with different wheat-related problems or mild gluten-intolerance.
- And more - Read more at the link below.
Combine the higher yields and lower costs to process this Spelt with all the potential health benefits and excellent baking quality, Henderson says, "and you’ve got a home run." With the Pacific Northwest’s love of artisanal cuisine and focus on nutrition, this organic grower- and baker-friendly Spelt is a big win!
1 https://draxe.com/nutrition/spelt-flour/
*this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.