Ancient Grains of the Great Plains Handbook
This Northern Crops Institute booklet has been designed to provide an overview of the broad category of crops known as ancient grains, which are also known as heritage grains. The purpose of the booklet is to deliver an introduction into ancient grains categories, their characteristics and uses. We hope this information will aid you to gain an understanding and appreciation of the value of ancient grains as highly nutritional and functional food ingredients. The booklet aims to provide introductory information on ancient grains so that you will delve deeper into the production, procurement, processing, and/or marketing of ancient grains and ancient grain products.
In contrast to other publications that go into great detail to describe crops and their uses, this booklet is designed to provide you, the reader, with a broad outline of the wide range of crops that can encompass the term ancient grains. There is no official definition of ancient grains. Many authors limit the category of ancient grains to include only cereal grains. The booklet takes the liberty of broadening the unofficial definition of ancient grains to include pulse and oilseed crops. Many pulse and oilseed crops can arguably fall under the umbrella definition used for ancient grains in that they are largely biologically unchanged over the last several hundred years.
Included in this booklet are those ancient grains that are grown within the U.S. Great Plains region that includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. The four-state region is unique in that it boasts the ability to produce an abundant variety and reliable supply of annual crops that include grains, pulses and oilseed. The region provides an ideal environment for the potential production large volumes of high-quality ancient grains.
Our farmers regularly employ good agricultural stewardship of their land and water resources. They are interested in employing regenerative and sustainable practices to ensure agricultural production is maintained for future generations. Crop diversity is important in protecting soil health and in maintaining crop quality and yield, year in and year out. Selecting ancient grains as rotational crop options gives our farmers additional niche crop marketing options, a reduction of pests and diseases, and potential conservation of water resources.
Millers, bakers, and food manufacturers are aware of increased interest by consumers to improve their dietary habits by eating more wholesome, clean label foods. Consumers are attracted to interesting foods that have appealing backgrounds and that convey nutritional advantage and wellness support. Consumers are also attracted to consuming foods that are connected to sustainable sourcing, improving the environment, and identifying the source of their food. Ancient grains are becoming favorite ingredients for consumers’ culinary enjoyment and the provision of nutritional needs.
This booklet is an invitation for you to gain basic, introductory knowledgeable about ancient grains features and benefits. The Northern Crops Institute strives to provide encouragement for our readers in that they will continue to explore the vast array of ancient grain opportunities to improve the health and wellness of consumers of all ages.
The Northern Crops Institute thanks our chapter authors who have devoted their time and expertise to deliver valuable chapter contributions. The Institute is also grateful to our reviewers for constructive improvements to each chapter. The authors and reviewers are representatives from private industry, nonprofit organizations, and academia. Finally, the Institute is thankful for the outstanding staff at the Northern Crops Institute for assistance in the preparation of this booklet. This booklet will be augmented with future education and technical assistance programs from the Northern Crops Institute to assist producers, entrepreneurs, merchandisers, and manufacturers to take full advantage of the utilization of ancient grains.
General Information.
Northern Crops Institute
NDSU Dept. 7400
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050 USA
Phone: 701-231-7736
Fax: 701-231-7235
Email: nci@ndsu.edu
Website: www.northern-crops.com
About the Northern Crops Institute.
Northern Crops Institute is an international center for meeting and learning about crops produced in the four-state region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. Situated on the campus of North Dakota State University, Northern Crops Institute exists as a forum to bring together customers, commodity traders, technical experts, processors and producers from all points of the globe for discussion, education and technical service programs. Since 1983, the Institute has hosted visitors from more than 135 countries.
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity Institution. This publication will be made available in alternative formats upon request (701-231-7736).