Is Kamut Gluten-Free?

The short answer is no. Kamut is a type of Khorasan wheat, which contains gluten. In fact, even if it were to be milled into flour, it would contain too much gluten content to be considered gluten-free. Therefore, if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, Kamut is not for you.

Although it contains gluten, Kamut is still beneficial to the body. It’s high in protein and other essential minerals and vitamins that your body needs. It also has a higher nutrient quality than regular wheat flour and offers many health benefits.

What Exactly Is Kamut?

Kamut is a brand of oriental wheat or Khorasan wheat, which is an ancient wheat species variety. It is said that this ancient grain was first grown in Mesopotamia and it is three times bigger than regular wheat.

Kamut has a yellow-gold color and a very distinctive “hump” compared to normal wheat. It looks quite similar to brown rice but is bigger in size.

How Is Kamut Used?

Kamut is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Not only is it gluten-free, but it also has several health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes it perfect for salads, soups, stews, and side dishes.

You can also use Kamut flour as a substitution for regular flour when wheat baking is performed. For example, you can use it to make delicious cakes, muffins, pancakes, and other baked goods without having the worry of gluten-containing grain or any related sensitivities.

How To Cook Kamut?

Kamut is an ancient nutrient-dense grain that can be a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. But before you can enjoy it, you need to know how to cook it properly.

According to Bob’s Red Mill, the best way to make sure your Kamut is tasty and gluten-free is to soak the dry grains overnight before cooking them. This will help ensure the grains are soft and in ideal condition for eating.

To cook Kamut on the stovetop, start by bringing two quarts of water with salt to a boil in a pot or saucepan. Once it’s boiling, put in one cup of Kamut that has been soaked and drained, and bring the pot back up to a boil.

Then reduce the heat slightly so that it’s still boiling but not too vigorously – this will decrease your cooking time significantly. Boil uncovered until the grains of wheat are soft, which usually takes around 40-60 minutes. Finally, drain off any excess water, and your cooked Kamut is ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits Of Kamut

Kamut is the perfect alternative type of grain for those who are looking for something that is not only celiac gluten-free but also packed with the nutritional benefits of wheat.

1. Protein-Rich

Kamut is an ancient grain with a rich taste and firm texture and a variety of nutritional benefits. It provides a healthy alternative to more common grains like wheat and can be used in a variety of dishes. Kamut is high in both protein and grams of fiber, making it an ideal addition to any healthy diet.

2. Fiber

Eating enough fiber is important for your health as it aids in boosting gut health by providing probiotics, beneficial bacteria that sustain a healthy gut microbiome.

Your microbiome has an influence on digestion, metabolism, and even your defense mechanisms. Furthermore, dietary fiber makes you fuller, helps to keep a regular pattern of bowel movements, and may help even out blood sugar levels.

3. Iron

Kamut is a great way to get your daily dose of iron, with one cup of cooked Kamut providing 22% of the RDA for men and 10% for women.

Iron is an essential mineral that helps create proteins in red blood cells and transport oxygen to different parts of your body. Not having enough iron can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness, which is known as iron deficiency anemia.

4. B-vitamins

One of the main nutrients it provides is B vitamins, which include riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin. B- vitamins help your body use energy efficiently from the food you eat.

A single serving of Kamut provides 28% of your daily recommended intake of thiamin (vitamin B1) and 24% of your daily recommended intake of niacin (vitamin B3).

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral for several key processes in the body and Kamut is a great source of it. Magnesium helps to regulate nerve and muscle activity, balance blood pressure levels, and promote healthy blood sugar levels.

Additionally, magnesium is proven to be effective for treating and preventing migraine headaches, specifically when accompanied by an aura, for those with such pain.

6. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth, as well as being a key component of cell membranes. The second-most plentiful mineral in the body, it makes up a tiny portion of your body mass at 1%.

Fortunately, you can easily get the recommended amount of phosphorus from dietary sources like Kamut.

7. Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that has numerous benefits for your health, and Kamut contains significant amounts of it. Eating one cup of cooked Kamut will supply you with almost 60% of your daily selenium requirement.

Selenium helps make powerful antioxidants in the body that keep cells healthy, fight damage from oxidative stress, and protect against age-related illnesses.

Kamut Alternatives

Here are some of the best alternatives to Kamut:

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Sorghum Grain

Kamut alternatives are becoming more popular as people look for grains that resemble wheat flour recipes, but without gluten and other allergens. Bob’s Red Mill has a great gluten-free option with their Gluten-Free Sorghum Grain.

Because of this, it’s usually considered a better digestible gluten option for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivities1,2 as it’s easier to digest.

Arrowhead Mills Organic Whole Millet

Arrowhead Mills Organic Whole Millet is an excellent alternative to Kamut for those looking for a nutritious and tasty grain.

It’s produced from whole seed and is 100% certified organic, gluten-free, Non-GMO, and vegan. It has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with all types of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and casseroles.

Bob’s Red Mill Organic Amaranth

Bob’s Red Mill Organic Amaranth is the perfect Kamut alternative, offering a variety of health benefits and nutritional benefits. This ancient grain provides essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health improvement and well-being.

It is also believed to have antioxidant properties, making it an excellent addition to any diet!

FAQs

Is Kamut Flour Free Of Gluten?

When it comes to the question of whether or not Kamut flour is gluten-free, unfortunately, the answer is no. Kamut flour definitely contains gluten; however, the gluten found in Kamut flour is different from that contained in modern wheat varieties.

Is Kamut Flour Healthy?

Kamut flour is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their nutrition as it has a more complex and comprehensive nutritional profile than that of a traditional form of wheat flour.

It is high in protein, soluble fiber, vitamins, minerals like magnesium and zinc, and essential fatty acids. Not only is Kamut flour lower in gluten than traditional wheat flour, but it is also high in antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation.

What Can I Use In Place Of Kamut Flour?

If you’re having trouble finding KAMUT (or maybe your KAMUT is still en route), here are some potential alternatives: Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Spelt flour, and Amaranth Flour.

What Can I Make With Kamut Flour?

You can use it in so many different ways – from sourdough loaves and flatbreads to tortillas, cookies, scones, and muffins. In addition to these baked goods, you can use Kamut flour to make pancakes, waffles, and pizza dough or even use it as a coating for chicken or fish.