
I’m not fond of telling anyone what to do. But if you value the planet and agricultural diversity, you would do well to eat more ancient and heritage grain products.
Einkorn, Spelt, Khorasan/Kamut, Emmer, Millet … we’ve always promoted these grains at Happy Monk Baking Company, and there are many reasons for it.
#1 Reason: The flavour advantage
My number one reason is flavour!
Nutritional advantages are one thing, but these grains have the bonus of great flavour.
We can go through our lives without knowing the taste of wheat or any other grain. But bread is more than a log of cotton batten flavoured with sugar and salt and maltose. I revel in the idea of showcasing the flavours of different grains, such as last week’s Sprouted Khorasan/Kamut loaf. You could detect a sweet grassy flavour enhanced with the sprouted grains added to the dough halfway through the process.
Not long ago, we featured a Rye and Spelt loaf, all-in with no roller-milled bread flour. Careful tasters could pick out the sweet nuttiness of the spelt grain, highlighted by the earthy tones of whole rye.
To experience the unique flavours of these grains can be a revelation to bread eaters who’ve grown up eating supermarket bread.
Supermarket bread
As a kid, I loved supermarket bread because of its pleasing texture and subtle sweetness. But a slice of toasted McGavin’s Brown Bread was more a delivery vehicle for a schmear of Squirrel Peanut Butter (later branded as Skippy) or Empress Strawberry Jam. Those were the flavours in the spotlight, not the McGavin’s. It toasted firm enough to hold our butter and condiments, but we never expected much more from it.
The bread wasn’t supposed to have flavour, in other words, but I knew it could when someone showed up at the door, like Aunty Betty, with a loaf of freshly baked “brown bread,” that was the exception that proved the rule! She’d likely made that treasured loaf with Robin Hood Brown Bread Flour and fresh baker’s yeast.
Even the so-called heritage grains 1, such as Red Fife or Marquis wheat, have distinctive flavours that are a joy to experience.
#2 Reason: Nutritional Advantages
Flavour is critical, in my books, but if you can enjoy nutritional advantages, what’s not to like?

Ancient grains are a return to more straightforward, purer food that may solve the many issues around modern wheat. In the post-war years, grains underwent substantive hybridization with the noble purpose of increasing production, profitability and ultimately reducing the cost to the consumer.
But in the relentless pursuit of higher yield and disease resistance, the protein structure of these new wheat varieties may have been altered. And the toxins meant to fight disease may have resulted in less healthy food for humans.
Scientists believe these changes are one of the reasons for widespread wheat intolerance.
On the other hand, ancient grain crops come from seeds that have been around for millennia and have remained free of hybridization and GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) manipulation.
Grains like Quinoa, Einkorn, Emmer, Spelt, and Khorasan have been around for centuries. Einkorn is believed to be one of the first grains to be cultivated by humans. Emmer/Farro was eaten daily by ancient Egyptians.
Higher yields, higher profits
But these grains faded in popularity as hybridized varieties produced higher yields and, thus, higher profits. They also taste nothing like their distant ancestors, we’re told. Ancient grains are virtually unchanged from what they were thousands of years ago.
In a 2011 interview in Maclean’s magazine, Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back To Health, explained that the modern wheat plant is about two-and-a-half feet shorter than the wheat plant our grandparents ate from. Its stalks are thicker to support a much heavier seedbed.
And they’ve been hybridized to resist drought and fungus. The new characteristics have resulted in structural changes that Davis calls “Frankengrains.” 2
The benefits of ancient grains, on the other hand, are showing up in numerous studies. According to Davis, the simpler genetic makeup and water-soluble gluten levels in ancient grains are more easily digested by the body than everyday foods. Studies have shown that many people with severe wheat sensitivities do not have the same issues with Kamut (Khorasan) grain as they do conventional wheat.
The problem is most ancient grains are expensive to produce and limited consumer demand. This leads to my third and final “should.” (Sorry, I say in my way of Canadian politeness).
#3 Reason: Honour your farmer!
It would help if you ate ancient and heritage grains because you’re supporting a farmer, a miller, a baker … and, ultimately, yourself.
A farmer has to commit a season of enterprise to a crop and expects a fair return for the effort. Where does that grain go when it’s harvested? Where’s the market? And how much is the customer going to pay?
It takes a lot of courage to plant Einkorn instead of a product that will fetch a higher monetary yield. Modern wheat crops could produce twice the quantity of grain.
Maybe it’s not all about dollars, either. Perhaps the farmer also has the conviction of saving the planet by increasing the diversity of agricultural output. Creating a safer food system: where one crop fails, another thrives, replenishing the soil with vital nutrients.
We should recognize these farmers for their commitment, along with the millers who process the grain and the baker who puts bread on the table.
A labour of love
I think of the farmers around Armstrong and the Okanagan region who produce the Einkorn, Kamut, Emmer, Millet, Red Fife wheat … most of the grain used in Happy Monk bread. And they are well served by Fieldstone Organics, a grain handling facility that processes their grains and moves them to market.
I am thinking of Tom Henry and Violane Mitchell of Stillmeadow Farm in Metchosin, B.C. They grow red winter wheat, the first genuinely local grain we’ve been able to use.
Let’s not forget our local miller, Nootka Rose Milling in Metchosin, B.C.
And I’m thinking of Shelley Spruitt, of Against the Grain Farms in Mountain, Ontario. She was the source of the Ethiopian Purple Barley I used in a Purple Barley Loaf early this year.
“If it doesn’t have a story, we don’t grow it,” Shelley’s website says. Her passion for biodiversity and ancient grains is a labour of love, but I’m sure it’s a struggle.
Another heritage/ancient grain provider I’ve recently discovered is Ironwood Organics of Gananoque, ON.
I know people who are reluctant to eat food with exotic-sounding names. Eating a slice of Happy Monk Sprouted Kamut Sourdough bread might seem too adventurous. But if that’s you, you’re missing out on something special.
And making the leap to eating ancient and heritage grains will do wonders for biodiversity, the planet, the farmer and miller … and even your own tastebuds!
Addendum
If you’d like to know more about Heritage and Ancient Grains, albeit with an Ontario focus, check out The Grain Project. It’s run by Toronto bakers Dawn Woodward and Edmund Rek, founders of Evelyn’s Crackers & Whole Grain Bakery. They’re pioneers in the local grain movement with an emphasis on baking with whole grains. Too bad I discovered this site after I wrote the above blog post! I find it inspiring and informative. Check out the recipes section of The Grain Project site. That Carrot Volkornbrot formula sounds amazing!
Happy Monk Tidings - September 20, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Garlic Levain Bread; BLOG: Harumph! Author Says Leave the Baking to the Professionals! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Sep 20
![Happy Monk Tidings - September 20, 2023 🍞 - BAKER'S CHOICE: Garlic Levain Bread; BLOG: Harumph! Author Says Leave the Baking to the Professionals! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - September 20, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Garlic Levain Bread; BLOG: Harumph! Author Says Leave the Baking to the Professionals! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
A hefty Country Miche, formula from Breadlines published by Bread Bakers Guild of America. Hefty in size, hefty in flavour. Four flours (Sifted Metchosin Wheat, Rye, Buckwheat, Spelt), a super-active levain and an intense crust colour. I think I’m addicted! It’s kind of finicky, though, and trying to work out a reasonable schedule to produce 40 loaves for Happy Monk customers.
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. #bread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #artisanbread #breadhead #sourdough #sourdoughbread #penderisland #southpenderislands #happymonkbaking #happymonkbakingcompany #wholegrainbread #breadhead #michebread #realbread #rusticbread #southerngulfislands #southerngulfislandsbakers #southerngulfislandsbakeries
Sep 14

A hefty Country Miche, formula from Breadlines published by Bread Bakers Guild of America. Hefty in size, hefty in flavour. Four flours (Sifted Metchosin Wheat, Rye, Buckwheat, Spelt), a super-active levain and an intense crust colour. I think I’m addicted! It’s kind of finicky, though, and trying to work out a reasonable schedule to produce 40 loaves for Happy Monk customers.
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. #bread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #artisanbread #breadhead #sourdough #sourdoughbread #penderisland #southpenderislands #happymonkbaking #happymonkbakingcompany #wholegrainbread #breadhead #michebread #realbread #rusticbread #southerngulfislands #southerngulfislandsbakers #southerngulfislandsbakeries
REMINDER: Happy Monk is on Summer Break! We`re off on our annual late summer respite. Next bread day is Sept. 22. See you then! (photo by Davy Joel Rippner)
Sep 6

REMINDER: Happy Monk is on Summer Break! We`re off on our annual late summer respite. Next bread day is Sept. 22. See you then! (photo by Davy Joel Rippner)
Happy Monk Tidings - August 30, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Mountain Rye Bread; BLOG: Making Bread and Art With A Message; NOTE: Happy Monk is on Holiday for the Next Two Weeks - https://mailchi.mp/ae234548bd1a/happy_monk_tidings_aug30
Aug 30

Happy Monk Tidings - August 30, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Mountain Rye Bread; BLOG: Making Bread and Art With A Message; NOTE: Happy Monk is on Holiday for the Next Two Weeks - https://mailchi.mp/ae234548bd1a/happy_monk_tidings_aug30
Happy Monk Tidings - August 23, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Bold Beer Bread; BLOG: Cheese Karma; More Happy Monk holidays coming soon! https://mailchi.mp/783a72739071/happy_monk_tidings_aug23
Aug 23

Happy Monk Tidings - August 23, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Bold Beer Bread; BLOG: Cheese Karma; More Happy Monk holidays coming soon! https://mailchi.mp/783a72739071/happy_monk_tidings_aug23
TASTE TEST! I’ve admired @eds_bred of Whistler for some time, though never been there or tasted their bread. But a generous customer brought me a loaf yesterday, a beautiful-looking Sesame-Poppyseed loaf. Coincidentally, I’d made a Sesame Sourdough loaf as my Baker’s Choice this week. How did the two loaves stack up? The Ed’s Bred’s loaf was gorgeous with a dark, sesame-poppyseed crust, lovely colour, subtle flavour. The wood-fired Happy Monk entry had a little less colour, but packed a powerful sesame whoomph. Great flavour for sesame fans! What can we learn from this?
(Looking forward to Ed’s book, Bred, coming in November!)
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#sesame #sesamebread #breadhead #breadlove #wildyeast #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bread #sourdough #sourdoughbaking #sourdoughbread #bakersofinstagram #artisanbread #realbread #rusticbread #woodfired #woodfiredbread #woodfiredovenbread #whistler #whistlerbread #sesamepoppyseed #penderisland #southpenderisland #happymonkbaking #happymonkbakingcompany
Aug 12

TASTE TEST! I’ve admired @eds_bred of Whistler for some time, though never been there or tasted their bread. But a generous customer brought me a loaf yesterday, a beautiful-looking Sesame-Poppyseed loaf. Coincidentally, I’d made a Sesame Sourdough loaf as my Baker’s Choice this week. How did the two loaves stack up? The Ed’s Bred’s loaf was gorgeous with a dark, sesame-poppyseed crust, lovely colour, subtle flavour. The wood-fired Happy Monk entry had a little less colour, but packed a powerful sesame whoomph. Great flavour for sesame fans! What can we learn from this?
(Looking forward to Ed’s book, Bred, coming in November!)
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#sesame #sesamebread #breadhead #breadlove #wildyeast #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bread #sourdough #sourdoughbaking #sourdoughbread #bakersofinstagram #artisanbread #realbread #rusticbread #woodfired #woodfiredbread #woodfiredovenbread #whistler #whistlerbread #sesamepoppyseed #penderisland #southpenderisland #happymonkbaking #happymonkbakingcompany
Happy Monk Tidings - August 9, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Sesame Sourdough; BLOG: Say A Prayer For The Perfect Loaf; ANNOUNCEMENT: Happy Monk Summer Holiday Schedule https://mailchi.mp/99197a16b166/happy_monk_tidings_aug9
Aug 9

Happy Monk Tidings - August 9, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Sesame Sourdough; BLOG: Say A Prayer For The Perfect Loaf; ANNOUNCEMENT: Happy Monk Summer Holiday Schedule https://mailchi.mp/99197a16b166/happy_monk_tidings_aug9
Happy Monk Blog - July 26, 2023 🍞 - Swimming the Neighbourhoods; how John Cheever`s short story, The Swimmer, made more sense to kids in the summertime. [See LinkTree in Profile ]
Jul 26
![Happy Monk Blog - July 26, 2023 🍞 - Swimming the Neighbourhoods; how John Cheever's short story, The Swimmer, made more sense to kids in the summertime. [See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Blog - July 26, 2023 🍞 - Swimming the Neighbourhoods; how John Cheever`s short story, The Swimmer, made more sense to kids in the summertime. [See LinkTree in Profile ]
Lay your head on this pillow soft Potato-Rosemary Loaf, breathe in the aromatic rosemary leaves plucked straight from the garden. And when you wake, a glorious wood-fired loaf awaits … you might spread a little butter, drizzle some honey and your dreams may come true!
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#potatobread #sourdough #sourdoughbread #woodfired #woodfiredoven #coboven #woodfiredovenbread #woodfiredbread #coboven #bread #sourdough #sourdoughbread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #breadhead #breadlove #baker #happymonkbaker #happymonkbaking #artisanbread #rusticbread #penderisland #southpenderisland
Jul 16

Lay your head on this pillow soft Potato-Rosemary Loaf, breathe in the aromatic rosemary leaves plucked straight from the garden. And when you wake, a glorious wood-fired loaf awaits … you might spread a little butter, drizzle some honey and your dreams may come true!
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#potatobread #sourdough #sourdoughbread #woodfired #woodfiredoven #coboven #woodfiredovenbread #woodfiredbread #coboven #bread #sourdough #sourdoughbread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #breadhead #breadlove #baker #happymonkbaker #happymonkbaking #artisanbread #rusticbread #penderisland #southpenderisland
Happy Monk Blog - July 12, 2023 🍞 - "Nothing I Cared in the Lamb White Days" - Climate change and watching the moon rise over the Salish Sea. [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Jul 12
![Happy Monk Blog - July 12, 2023 🍞 - "Nothing I Cared in the Lamb White Days" - Climate change and watching the moon rise over the Salish Sea. [ See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Blog - July 12, 2023 🍞 - "Nothing I Cared in the Lamb White Days" - Climate change and watching the moon rise over the Salish Sea. [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Happy Monk Tidings - July 5, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Olive Sourdough; ReBLOG: Salvador Dalí and the Art of Bread [ Click LinkTree in Profile ]
Jul 5
![Happy Monk Tidings - July 5, 2023 🍞 - BAKER'S CHOICE: Olive Sourdough; ReBLOG: Salvador Dalí and the Art of Bread [ Click LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - July 5, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Olive Sourdough; ReBLOG: Salvador Dalí and the Art of Bread [ Click LinkTree in Profile ]
Happy Monk Tidings - June 28, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Spelt and Honey Sourdough; BLOG: Black Robe and Rise of the Machine [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Jun 28
![Happy Monk Tidings - June 28, 2023 🍞 - BAKER'S CHOICE: Spelt and Honey Sourdough; BLOG: Black Robe and Rise of the Machine [ See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - June 28, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Spelt and Honey Sourdough; BLOG: Black Robe and Rise of the Machine [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Long bake bake Friday … one problem after another. But all turned out well, including the proud and mighty Seed Feast loaves. Thanks as always to @leathersmithe for assistance and encouragement!
Jun 24

Long bake bake Friday … one problem after another. But all turned out well, including the proud and mighty Seed Feast loaves. Thanks as always to @leathersmithe for assistance and encouragement!
Happy Monk Tidings - June 14, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: German Rye (Volkornbrot) with Sunflower Seeds; BLOG: Happy Bloomsday! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Jun 14
![Happy Monk Tidings - June 14, 2023 🍞 - BAKER'S CHOICE: German Rye (Volkornbrot) with Sunflower Seeds; BLOG: Happy Bloomsday! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - June 14, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: German Rye (Volkornbrot) with Sunflower Seeds; BLOG: Happy Bloomsday! [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
Happy Monk Tidings - May 31, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Fig and Fennel Sourdough; BLOG: The Saving Grace of Siegel`s Bagels [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
May 31
![Happy Monk Tidings - May 31, 2023 🍞 - BAKER'S CHOICE: Fig and Fennel Sourdough; BLOG: The Saving Grace of Siegel's Bagels [ See LinkTree in Profile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - May 31, 2023 🍞 - BAKER`S CHOICE: Fig and Fennel Sourdough; BLOG: The Saving Grace of Siegel`s Bagels [ See LinkTree in Profile ]
HAPPY MONK BLOG: An Approachable Manifesto: A loaf designed for the grocery shelf, but with honest-to-goodness artisan credentials. (May 24, 2023) [ See LinkTree in Proifile ]
May 24
![HAPPY MONK BLOG: An Approachable Manifesto: A loaf designed for the grocery shelf, but with honest-to-goodness artisan credentials. (May 24, 2023) [ See LinkTree in Proifile ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
HAPPY MONK BLOG: An Approachable Manifesto: A loaf designed for the grocery shelf, but with honest-to-goodness artisan credentials. (May 24, 2023) [ See LinkTree in Proifile ]
Morning coffee ritual, Saturday morning. Drinking Moving Coffee, eating Happy Monk Sprouted Einkorn Sourdough bread, and spending a lot of time setting up this photo. Thanks for the coffee tip, @jomosenpai, it’s really good!
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#coffeelover #coffee #pourovercoffee #pourover #coffeetime #coffeelover #coffeecoffeecoffee #ceramiccoffeecup #ceramiccoffeemug #coffeeaddict #einkornsourdough #einkornbread #einkornsourdoughbread #einkornbaking
May 20

Morning coffee ritual, Saturday morning. Drinking Moving Coffee, eating Happy Monk Sprouted Einkorn Sourdough bread, and spending a lot of time setting up this photo. Thanks for the coffee tip, @jomosenpai, it’s really good!
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#coffeelover #coffee #pourovercoffee #pourover #coffeetime #coffeelover #coffeecoffeecoffee #ceramiccoffeecup #ceramiccoffeemug #coffeeaddict #einkornsourdough #einkornbread #einkornsourdoughbread #einkornbaking
It’s been a long time since I baked with Einkorn flour, the most ancient of the ancient grains. It’s called “Farro Piccolo” in Italian, or ‘little farro’. A later variety of Einkorn is called “Farro Grande” (large farro)… otherwise known as Spelt. (Einkorn left, Spelt right) Here endeth the lesson.
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#einkorn #einkorngrain #einkornbread #einkornbaking #tasteofeinkorn #spelt #speltgrain #speltflour #ancientgrain #ancientgrains #ancientgrainbaking #ancientgrainflours
May 16

It’s been a long time since I baked with Einkorn flour, the most ancient of the ancient grains. It’s called “Farro Piccolo” in Italian, or ‘little farro’. A later variety of Einkorn is called “Farro Grande” (large farro)… otherwise known as Spelt. (Einkorn left, Spelt right) Here endeth the lesson.
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#einkorn #einkorngrain #einkornbread #einkornbaking #tasteofeinkorn #spelt #speltgrain #speltflour #ancientgrain #ancientgrains #ancientgrainbaking #ancientgrainflours
Happy Monk Tidings - April 26, 2023 🍞: Baker`s Choice: Polenta-Rosemary Sourdough; Blog: A Baker`s Summit in the Loire Valley - [See LinkTree in Bio ]
Apr 26
![Happy Monk Tidings - April 26, 2023 🍞: Baker's Choice: Polenta-Rosemary Sourdough; Blog: A Baker's Summit in the Loire Valley - [See LinkTree in Bio ]](https://i0.wp.com/happymonkbaking.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=980&ssl=1)
Happy Monk Tidings - April 26, 2023 🍞: Baker`s Choice: Polenta-Rosemary Sourdough; Blog: A Baker`s Summit in the Loire Valley - [See LinkTree in Bio ]
Such a sunny, cheerful thing to hold freshly milled dried corn for polenta-rosemary bread — this week’s baker’s choice! On a sunny spring day, too, with our out-of-control cherry tree in fine fettle. In two days, those blossoms will be little more than litter on the grass and driveway
#polenta #polentabread #driedcorn #woodfired #woodfiredoven #woodfiredovenbread #bread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #artisanbread #breadhead #breadmaking #breadmaking🍞 #sourdough #sourdoughbread #coboven #earthoven #earthenoven #penderisland #southpenderisland #happymonkbaking #southerngulfislands #southerngulfislandsbakers #southerngulfislandsbakeries
Apr 25

Such a sunny, cheerful thing to hold freshly milled dried corn for polenta-rosemary bread — this week’s baker’s choice! On a sunny spring day, too, with our out-of-control cherry tree in fine fettle. In two days, those blossoms will be little more than litter on the grass and driveway
#polenta #polentabread #driedcorn #woodfired #woodfiredoven #woodfiredovenbread #bread #realbread #naturallyleavened #baker #bakery #bbga #artisanbread #breadhead #breadmaking #breadmaking🍞 #sourdough #sourdoughbread #coboven #earthoven #earthenoven #penderisland #southpenderisland #happymonkbaking #southerngulfislands #southerngulfislandsbakers #southerngulfislandsbakeries
, e.g. grains that are more modern but have, like ancient grains, not been significantly genetically modified.↩
Taken from an excerpt of the William Davis Maclean’s interview, which appears on the Fieldstone Organics website.↩
Wonderful reminders David!!..Wevlove when you use ancient grains. I find easier to digest.
Thx. L