Can you eat raw wheat berries?
Quick Answer
No
Raw wheat berries are hard and not easily digestible. Consuming them raw can lead to digestive discomfort.
What Is It?
Wheat berries, or wheatberries, are whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that contain all three parts of the grain, including the germ, bran and starchy endosperm.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating raw wheat berries can pose several risks:
- Digestive issues: The human body struggles to break down raw wheat berries, which can lead to bloating, gas, and other digestive issues.
- Bacterial contamination: Like other raw grains, raw wheat berries can be contaminated with bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
Safe Method?
The safe way to consume wheat berries is to cook them. They can be boiled until they are tender, which usually takes about an hour.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a raw grain to eat, consider sprouted grains. Sprouting makes the grains easier to digest and can increase the availability of some nutrients.
Storage Tips
Store wheat berries in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They can last for up to a year when stored properly.
Preparation Tips
Before cooking wheat berries, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dust or debris. Then, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time.