Eli Rogosa & UMass Amherst Help to Establish Ancient Einkorn Wheat

Eli Rogosa talks in this video about the UMass Amherst program to preserve and establish heirloom wheat grains, including einkorn (Triticum monococcum), into modern agriculture.

It’s interesting how she describes the root system of the heirloom grains compared with the shallow root system of modern wheat, which relies upon chemical fertilizers.

19 thoughts on “Eli Rogosa & UMass Amherst Help to Establish Ancient Einkorn Wheat

  1. Ellen Welch

    I am interested in getting seed wheat for einkorn. This would be for a small family farm. We have realized the great health benefits of einkorn flours and would like to grow our own.

    Thank you,
    Ellen

    Reply
  2. joy hertz

    I would like to obtain some unhulled eincorn wheat for fall planting at my biodynamic farm in New Jersey. As a pilot program, I am also concerned about what will become a sustainable agriculture in this age of GMO contamination. As sprouted grain as well as wheat grass, eincorn wheat will be a part of my initiative. Amaranth (for greens) is also significant.

    Is it possible for me to obtain 25 pound so unhulled eincorn wheat for fall planting – from you? If you know of any sources, please inform me at your earliest convenience.

    Regards,

    Joy

    Reply
  3. Gary Handlang

    Hello Eli,
    I really enjoyed your blog. Very interested in planting einkorn wheat in my area in Missouri.
    I am in growing area 2. I would appreciate your input when you have time. Thank You, gary

    XHTML

    Reply
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  7. forrest w joyner

    misses and sers, could you recomend what wheat to plant in north louisiana, zone 8. willing to try your sugestions and buy from you.joyner farm hopefully

    Reply
  8. Sheila McElwaine

    How suitable is eihkorn for growing in a family vegetable patch or community garden plot?

    Thanks for any information.

    Reply
    1. Stan Ness

      Growing it is usually no problem provided you can find enough viable seed for your plot size. The real challenge for small plot gardening of any type of grain is the effort it takes to harvest. You’ll likely need to do it by hand which means, cutting it into bundles, then threshing and flailing it to knock the grain out of the hulls and then winnowing it to separate the grain from the chaff.

      Reply
      1. Nancy

        This process really takes us back to ancient times. If it wasn’t a large lot it would be an excellent lesson in ancient history for all who were willing to participate in the process. I personally would love to grow this wheat in my growing zone 5 in Missouri for both the health benefits and the once in a lifetime experience with harvesting traditions.

        Reply
        1. Kristina

          Are you growing einkorn at this time.? If you think you might in the future could I get your contact info. Thanks

          Reply
        2. Michael

          I also live in Missouri and was wondering if you ever found any seed. You can buy any variety of wheat you want at Clover’s natural foods or any Hy-vee store in the natural foods section.
          What I was wondering was where I could get my hands on free threshing einkorn seed.
          I have read that it is rare, but does exist, sure would help for the home grower to harvest.

          Reply
          1. Dana

            I live in Missouri and just bought seed from the website bountiful gardens. I’m trying to find info on when to plant in our zone. What is free threshing einkorn seed?

  9. Eli Rogosa

    Stan, Thanks so much for your important work to promote food biodiversity through einkorn!

    To learn how to grow and bake with einkorn and other almost-extinct grains, join us at the the New England Grain Conference ‘Bread, Beer and Biodiversity’ on July 14 and 15, 2011 at the University of Massachusetts. Email [email protected] for details.

    Michael Jubinsky will teach a three hour workshop on ‘Baking with Ancient Einkorn’ using our wood-fired oven. Taste einkorn pizza, pita, tabouleh salad and malted einkorn beverages. Yumm!

    Reply
  10. Michael Jubinsky

    Great video. We need to continue to work to re-establish these ancient grains and find those that will grow well in various local areas. Northern New England has short growing seasons and cool weather (mostly) but at one time we exported wheat and grains. It’s time to take control of our own lives and away from the mega agribusinesses.

    Come to UMass on July 14, 2011 for the NE Grain Conference. For more info contact [email protected]

    Reply
  11. John D

    It’s great to see a university taking action and supporting this cause. I’m interested in what they are studying about einkorn.

    Reply

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