Whole Grains are an essential part of a balanced diet as they contain the nutrients you need to keep your body strong and healthy.  However, not all whole grains were created equal.  Each one has it’s strength, so that’s why I keep a variety of whole grain products in the pantry at all times to use regularly throughout the week, for optimal health and balance.

In general, whole grains are a good source of nutrients such as fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants,  all of which work together to help the body fight diseases and boost the metabolism.

Here is a list of grain items I usually have on hand, starting with whole grains, followed by other grain products.

• Whole grains such as brown rice (long or short grain), red rice, forbidden black rice, wild rice, barley, farro, and oat berries
• Pseudeo grains such as quinoa and millet, which are seeds by definition but often get used very much like a grain in recipes.  Quinoa is specific has a nutty flavour, making it the perfect ingredient in many hot and cold dishes
• Cracked and flaked grains such as couscous, bulghur, polenta, rolled oats, flaked quinoa, and puffed grains (such as rice cakes, puffed cereals, etc…)
• Noodles such as Italian pasta, soba(buckwheat), udon, soy noodles, rice noodles, and Chinese ramen noodles
• Baked goods such as naturally leavened bread and crackers made with unbleached whole grain flour
• Wheat Gluten or Seitan is the main protein derived from wheat and can be used to substitute meat in any dish

Generally speaking it’s a good idea to avoid grain products that are overly refined, non organic and containing yeast.

Browse Grain Recipes or select another Kitchen 101 category below:

Pantry Staples

• Beans & Legumes
• Other Pantry Items such as Nuts & Seeds, Natural Sweetners, Baking Essentials, etc…
  

Fresh Foods & Produce

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Other Fresh Foods such as Tofu, Tempeh, Non Dairy Milk, etc…