What is Farro? Is it better than rice?
What is Farro? Farro is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a type of wheat, but it is much more nutritious than modern wheat varieties. Farro is a whole grain, which means that it contains all three parts of the grain kernel: the bran, germ, and endosperm. This makes Farro a good fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals source.
Rice is also a whole grain but not as nutritious as farro. Rice is often milled to remove the bran and germ, which are the most nutritious parts of the grain. This makes rice a less nutritious food choice than farro.
So, what is Farro?
Farro is a staple in Europe, commonly and presently grown in Italy, one of the major producers. This whole grain is a favorite of vegetarians and is an excellent source of healthy nutrients. Nutty in flavor, as do many other grains, its texture is chewy and puffs up like rice when cooked. One single grain looks like a giant grain of brown rice.
Similar to many grains, Farro is easy to cook and high in fiber. It is a versatile grain that can be added to soup, salads and served as a side dish. It is even prepared as a hot breakfast, like oatmeal.
Here is a comparison of the nutritional value of farro and rice:
| Nutrient | Farro (1/2 cup, cooked) | Rice (1/2 cup, cooked) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 | 100 |
| Protein | 7 grams | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 8 grams | 3 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams | 0 grams |
| Iron | 3 milligrams | 1 milligram |
| Calcium | 30 milligrams | 1 milligram |
As you can see, farro is a better source of protein, fiber, iron, and calcium than rice.
Other benefits of farro:
- Farro is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage.
- Farro is a low-glycemic food, which means that it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels after eating.
- Farro is a versatile food that can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and risotto.
Is Farro better than rice?
Overall, farro is a better choice than rice nutritionally. It is a good protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and antioxidants source. Farro is also a low-glycemic food and is versatile in its culinary uses.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing between farro and rice. Farro is more expensive than rice and can take longer to cook. Farro also contains gluten, so it is not a good choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
If you are looking for a nutritious and versatile grain to add to your diet, farro is a great option. However, rice may be a better choice if you are on a budget or need a quick and easy meal.
How to cook Farro?
It is usually recommended to soak the grains for faster cooking. A simple recipe for Farro is to cook it like rice. You can season the cooking liquid with salt and pepper, but the most flavorful way is to add chicken broth or vegetable broth. Either combination will be good.
Here are some tips for cooking farro:
- Rinse the farro before cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Soak the farro in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to soften it and sauteed quickly with other vegetables to make a salad.
- Cook the farro in a pot of boiling water for 20-30 minutes or until it is tender similar to cooking rice.
Farro can be eaten hot or cold. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and risotto. Farro can also be ground into flour and used to make bread, pasta, and other baked goods.
Depending on the kind of recipe, you can also add other types of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and even fish. Vegetables and cheese are great add-ons if you are making a salad. Whatever creative ideas you have, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. If you are following a strict diet, this is an excellent option for plant-based side dishes.
Where to shop for Farro:
The best way to find this healthy grain is to look in your local supermarket’s organic or gourmet food section. Because it is considered a specialty grain with many health benefits, you may even find it in specialty stores and specialty food sections in grocery stores.
Farro may not be sold in huge bags, or the packaging may not be significant at all. Look for a bag similar to the ones below, or just get it from Amazon.
There are a few reasons why farro is not as popular as oats, corn, and rice:
- It is less well-known. Many people have never heard of farro, let alone know what it is or how to cook it.
- It is more expensive. Farro is typically more expensive than oats, corn, and rice.
- It takes longer to cook. Farro can take up to 30 minutes to cook, while oats, corn, and rice can be cooked in 10-15 minutes.
- It is not as widely available. Farro is not as widely available as oats, corn, and rice, especially in smaller grocery stores.
Despite these challenges, farro is a healthy and delicious grain that is worth adding to your diet. It is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Farro can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and risottos.
Here are a few tips for making farro more popular:
- Educate people about farro. Let people know what farro is, how to cook it, and how to use it in recipes.
- Make farro more affordable. Grocery stores could offer farro at a lower price or make it more accessible by placing it in a more prominent location.
- Develop quick and easy recipes for farro. This would help to make farro more convenient and appealing to busy people.
- Increase the availability of farro. Grocery stores could stock more farro and offer it in a variety of forms, such as whole grain farro, pearled farro, and farro flour.
By taking these steps, we can make farro more popular and accessible to everyone.
Sources
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/a27557917/what-is-farro/
