Is Freekeh Good For You?

Hi everyone,

Its official, the ‘super grain’ health trend is growing and does not appear to be slowing down (well, at least to most people minus the paleo gang). I feel like every health store I enter now seems to have new grains being sprouted as super-foods and worked into snack products that a few years ago never would have existed!

No longer is it just rice and pasta gracing our plates at meal times (although for some people, those foods are out all together these days it seems); Ancient grains touted as ‘super foods’, which were once unheard of in Australia and across the globe, now dominate our supermarket health food aisles everywhere.

Thanks largely to their impressive nutritional compositions, these grains can offer many advantages over regular varieties; One grain in particular, which you may have noticed popping up a lot more recently is freekeh. While not new, freekeh is only just beginning to grow in popularity. Featuring on restaurant menus and popping up in many recipes, this interesting grain is fast becoming a tasty hit among consumers.

Freekeh in Australia

Freekeh is produced from wheat which has been harvested early while the grains are still green and soft. As the grains are picked early they retain a higher percentage of protein and fibre, with an average serve (roughly 45g) giving you around 7g of protein and 6g of fibre. There are also significantly higher levels of calcium, potassium, iron and zinc compared to a number of other commonly consumed grains.

Feekeh nutrition information

Another brands freekeh nutrition information

Freekeh has up to four times more fibre then regular brown rice…that is significant. The high fibre content of this grain makes it perfect for those looking to increase their daily fibre intake (we all know how much of a fibre fan I am by now!). The Australian dietary guidelines recommend we need 25-30g of fibre per day to help keep us regular and protect our bodies against bowl cancer. Freekeh also has a low glycaemic index which is unique compared to some of the other grains available. This means the rate the carbohydrates in the grain are broken down and absorbed by the body is slower, which is a positive attribute in regards to providing the body with a longer lasting source of energy, and helping to keep you satisfied between meals.

Freekeh has a unique smoky and nutty flavour which makes for a delicious alternative to rice for those wanting to mix things up sometimes; and this is partly due to the grains been roasted and then dried after harvesting.

Freekeh used in a meal

Freekeh is particularly easy to prepare, with cracked wholegrain varieties taking 25 minutes to boil (the same time it takes for brown rice). Being so versatile, freekeh can be added to many dishes such as salads and soups, or can be enjoyed on its own – Click here for some handy recipe ideas.

At around $5 per 400g, freekeh is over double the cost of regular rice; However the nutritional benefits and interesting flavour make this grain a must try for those wanting to try something new.