Perennial wheat are newly domesticated and crossbred wheat varieties that live six or more years and can be harvested annually without having to be sown before each growing season. This is very innovative new wheat that scientists have been developing for decades.
Some may ask “is it gluten free,” others “does it have more nutrients,” or “do we really need new wheat?” My answers are: no, maybe, yes.
But do we need a new wheat varieties?
There are a number of benefits to perennial wheat. Fields with perennials don’t have to be tilled, in other words the soil doesn’t get disturbed. Perennials have deeper roots, over 6 feet in the case of perennial grasses (grains are part of the grass family). These deep roots prevent soil erosion because they go far beyond the top layers of the soil that annual grain varieties penetrate. After annuals are harvested, soils are exposed and can easily erode through wind (think Dust Bowl in the 1930s) or rain. In the case of perennials, roots remain in the soil even after harvest and protect the soil.
The roots are also able to access water and nutrients much deeper in the soil making these varieties more drought resistant and climate safe: farmers don’t have to irrigate as much, fertilizer use is reduced and with it the risk of chemical runoff. These vast root systems are also able to store lots of carbon in the soil and support the microbial health of the soil.
So many benefits, but of course there are always cons: yields are not on par with traditional annual varieties yet (up to 70% compared to annuals varieties), but scientists continue working on improvements. As we are looking for more sustainability in all parts of life and business, this is another promising area.
Where can I get it?
King Arthur Climate Blend: King Arthur just launched a whole wheat flour blend that includes perennial wheat. It is available on their website and will be at Whole Foods.
As Thanksgiving is approaching, we can give thanks to our family and the planet by using climate friendly products and treating ourselves and loved ones to amazing food.