What is bearded wheat?

Bearded wheat is a type of wheat that has long, hair-like awns (bristles) on the glumes (the chaff that surrounds the wheat kernels). These awns can be up to several inches long and are typically stiff and sharp. Bearded wheat is also known as awnless wheat or bald wheat.

Bearded wheat is the oldest type of wheat and is believed to have originated in the Middle East. It is still grown in many parts of the world, but it is not as common as awnless wheat. This is because awnless wheat is easier to harvest and thresh.

There are several different varieties of bearded wheat, including:

* Hard red bearded wheat: This is the most common type of bearded wheat. It is grown in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Hard red bearded wheat is used to make bread flour.

* Soft red bearded wheat: This type of wheat is grown in the eastern United States. It is used to make cake flour and pastry flour.

* Hard white bearded wheat: This type of wheat is grown in the western United States. It is used to make bread flour and all-purpose flour.

* Soft white bearded wheat: This type of wheat is grown in the Pacific Northwest. It is used to make cake flour and pastry flour.

Bearded wheat is a nutritious grain that is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Bearded wheat can be used to make a variety of foods, including bread, pasta, cereal, and soup.