Einkorn

An ancient wheat species (Triticum monococcum) that has been in cultivation for thousands of years. I use this flour for pastry, and for simple tin loaves as well as in our Botanical Blend flour.

Einkorn : the most ancient type of wheat. This is a diploid, meaning that it contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. It has not been hybridized or modified and has remained unaltered for thousands of years, which allows people with gluten sensitivity to eat wheat without adverse reactions. Like most the heritage flours, it is incredibly flavoursome. Rich, nutty and sweet. I love to blend this in to our loaves. Whilst it has low gluten levels it is still high a good source of protein, iron, dietary fibre, thiamine and a number of B vitamins. It also contains a significant amount of powerful antioxidant lutein with higher antioxidant levels than durum and bread wheat.

Origins and Domestication

Einkorn originated in the Fertile Crescent, an area that includes modern-day regions of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and parts of Iran. Wild einkorn (Triticum boeoticum) was first gathered by hunter-gatherer societies before being domesticated around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution, which marked the transition from foraging to farming. Archaeological evidence shows that early farmers grew einkorn along with other grains like emmer and barley.

Cultivation in Ancient Civilisations

Einkorn spread across ancient civilisations in the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe. It was valued for its resilience, being more adaptable to poor soils and harsh climates than many other early grains. This made it a staple crop in some regions, though its yields were lower compared to later wheats. Its cultivation is well-documented in Neolithic farming sites, including in regions like Anatolia and the Balkans.

Nutritional and Genetic Characteristics

Einkorn is a diploid wheat, meaning it has two sets of chromosomes, which distinguishes it from modern wheat varieties that have more complex genetic structures (tetraploid and hexaploid wheats like durum and common wheat). Its simpler genetic makeup contributes to several of its unique characteristics. Nutritionally, einkorn is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients like beta-carotene, which gives it a distinctive golden hue. It is also higher in antioxidants and minerals like zinc and iron.

From a digestibility perspective, einkorn’s gluten structure is less developed than modern wheat, making it potentially easier to digest for some individuals. However, it still contains gluten and is not suitable for those with coeliac disease.

Decline and Rediscovery

Despite its early popularity, einkorn gradually declined in favour of other wheat species like emmer and later bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), which were easier to harvest, more versatile for baking, and yielded more grain per hectare. By the Roman period, einkorn was largely replaced by these higher-yielding wheat varieties, especially in more developed agricultural societies. However, in isolated mountainous areas of Europe, einkorn continued to be grown into the medieval period.

In the 20th century, the rise of industrial farming and the development of hybrid wheat varieties further contributed to its decline. However, as interest in ancient grains and sustainable farming practices grew in recent decades, einkorn has seen a resurgence. This revival is driven by both its nutritional profile and the growing desire for more resilient and environmentally friendly crop alternatives.

Einkorn in Modern Baking

Today, einkorn is being research starting point for future design of cultivars with lower allergenic potential, and being embraced by artisan bakers, nutritionists, and those focused on heritage grains, valued for its unique flavour, which is often described as slightly nutty and sweet, and its rich golden colour. Its resurgence is also linked to the wider movement toward understanding the impact of different grains on gut health and digestion, aligning well with the goals of the BALM protocol. Einkorn flour behaves differently from modern wheat in baking, often requiring adjustments in hydration and handling, but it is celebrated for its digestibility and nutritional benefits.

You can buy the botanical Blend Flour from our shop.

The Value of Einkorn

I use Einkorn in my botanical Blend flour as part of the blend. What I love about this flour is that has the potential to offer both environmental sustainability and health benefits, and this variety could play a key role in promoting biodiversity and addressing food security in regions where modern wheat struggles.

Sustainability and Agro-Biodiversity

Einkorn grows well in marginal environments, such as sandy soils, higher altitudes, and areas with limited nitrogen fertiliser, making it a viable crop where conventional wheat falters. Its resistance to fungal diseases reduces the need for chemical fungicides, making it an appealing option for organic farming and lower-input agriculture. While einkorn yields are lower in fertile soil compared to modern wheat, in poor soil conditions, it often outperforms common wheat, allowing it to thrive in regions affected by climate change or where fertiliser use is limited due to cost or environmental concerns.

Nutritional Potential

Nutritionally, einkorn contains higher levels of key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, and is rich in vitamin E and lutein, which are important for overall health. It also offers more protein than common wheat. Importantly, einkorn has lower levels of alpha-amylase inhibitors (ATIs), which are linked to wheat sensitivities, although it still contains gluten.

Despite these nutritional advantages, research into the bioavailability of these nutrients in einkorn – how well the body can absorb and use them – is still lacking. Without clinical trials, the potential health benefits remain unproven, and this requires urgent attention to better understand how einkorn could contribute to a healthier diet.

Einkorn also presents an opportunity for supporting marginalised farming communities. It grows well in areas where industrial agriculture struggles, and because it requires fewer inputs like fertilisers and fungicides, it can empower small-scale farmers to grow a sustainable crop. This shift away from industrial monoculture towards more diverse, resilient farming systems can contribute to food sovereignty and economic stability in these regions.

In terms of environmental impact, growing einkorn supports biodiversity and helps reduce reliance on chemical inputs, making it an important part of regenerative farming practices. It has the potential to offer both a more sustainable and socially just way of producing food, especially in regions with fewer resources.

While einkorn won’t replace common wheat in terms of global production, its ability to thrive in poor soils and its nutrient profile suggest it could have an important role in both sustainable agriculture and improving human health. More research is needed to fully understand its health benefits, but einkorn’s potential as a crop for marginal environments makes it a valuable option for both farmers and consumers.

See below for list of websites where you can buy this flour and read more about Einkorn here.

Einkorn Flour – Bruern Farms – One of my favourite farms is local to me and they produce stoneground wholemeal flour. This is the oldest grain there is. It is full of protein, iron, antioxidants and fibre. This flour has a deep nutty flavour and its low gluten index makes it easy to digest. A wonderful flour, perfect for baking bread, (bruernfarms.co.uk)
How To Use Einkorn Flour • The Prairie Homestead – Einkorn flour can be tricky to use if you are a beginner. Use these tips to learn how to use einkorn flour in the best way to get good results in your from-scratch cooking. (theprairiehomestead.com)
Organic Einkorn Wheat Grain – Organic Einkorn is the earliest variety of farmed wheat. It can be eaten as a whole grain or ground into a nutritious flour. (forestwholefoods.co.uk)
Einkorn Flour | Shop Organic Baking Flour | Jovial Foods – The most ancient species of wheat available today is delicious, nutritious einkorn flour from Jovial Foods. Perfect for baking einkorn bread. Shop now! (jovialfoods.com)
Ancient Grain Flour – Rye, Spelt, Khorasan, Einkorn, Emmer & More – Ancient Grains is a term used to describe the 4 original domesticated wheats, grains and pseudocereals. The four main Ancient grains used in baking flour are Rye, Einkorn, Emmer, Spelt and Khorasan. The species are often 8000 to 10000 years old as o… (rattonpantry.co.uk)
Einkorn wheat – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
Einkorn Wheat Berries & Flour | Earth’s First Wheat – Einkorn is the most ancient wheat on Earth, with different gluten that is easier to digest. Shop now, Einkorn wheat berries in Idaho with FREE shipping. (ancientgrains.com)
What Is Einkorn? – Jovial Foods is proud to offer you einkorn, the world’s most ancient wheat, and the only wheat that’s never been hybridized. (jovialfoods.com)
Organic Wholemeal Einkorn Flour (Doves Farm) 1kg – Buy Wholefoods Online | Organic Foods | Health Foods (buywholefoodsonline.co.uk)
Quick Einkorn Bread | Doves Farm | Organic Flours & Food – Easy to make and minimal ingredients required, this quick rustic loaf is packed full of flavour. Ideal for lunchboxes or as part of a weekend brunch. (dovesfarm.co.uk)
Organic Stoneground Wholegrain Einkorn Flour – Side Oven Bakery – Milled from our homegrown Organic grain, our wholegrain Einkorn flour is a strong flour. Ideal for baking breads or blending with other flour. (sideoven.com)
Amazon.co.uk : einkorn flour (amazon.co.uk)
Mulino Marino Organic White Enkir or Einkorn Flour – Enkir (Triticum Monococcum) from master millers Mulino Marino, is the oldest cereal in the world thought to originate from the very beginning of agriculture 12,000 years ago. Known as Enkir in Italy, Spain and Portugal and Einkorn elsewhere, the colo (bakerybits.co.uk)
Buy Organic Einkorn Flour and Berries » Einkorn.com – Order Certified Organic Einkorn Flour & Berries that highly nutritious, triple cleaned, and securely packaged. Your purchase is backed by our 100% Satisfaction money back guarantee. (einkorn.com)
Organic Stoneground Wholemeal Einkorn Flour – 1kg – Milled from the earliest wheat species, this stoneground ancient grain flour is great for baking rustic wholemeal bread and cakes. (dovesfarm.co.uk)
Einkorn Flour. Exquisite ancient crafted flour. Matthews Cotswold Flour – Matthews einkorn flour is a beautiful ancient wheat crafted in the Cotswolds. Einkorn flour offers many health benefits as well as a uniquely wonderful taste. (cotswoldflour.com)

All reasonable care is taken when writing about health aspects of bread, but the information it contains is not intended to take the place of treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. You must seek professional advice if you are in any doubt about any medical condition. Any application of the ideas and information contained on this website is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.