An inferior type of hardy wheat, often grown in mountainous regions of Europe.
Spelt was widely distributed from the Near East origin during the Bronze Age (4,000-1,000 BC), throughout the Balkans, Europe, and transcaucasia. Some of the earliest recordings of spelt appear in the Bible (Exodus 9:30, Isaiah 28:25, and Ezekiel 4:9).
G.F. Stallknecht, K.M. Gilbertson, and J.E. Ranney, Alternative Wheat Cereals as Food Grains: Einkorn, Emmer, Spelt, Kamut, and Triticale, in: J. Janick (ed.), Progress in new crops. Amazon
Certified seed of the first generation of wheat, durum wheat, spelt wheat, barley, triticale and oats or certified seed of rye and maize - Fee: £6.85.
Welsh Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1870 (W.183) -The Seeds (Fees) (Amendment) (Wales) (No. 2) Regulations 2002. Office of Public Sector Information
Spelt has become popular as a health food, for the bioavailability of its high levels of nutrients.
Isabell Shipard, How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? Book purchase
Spelt is a very ancient type of wheat with a rich, nutty flavour. It's far more nutritious than modern wheat strains, being richer in vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, protein and fibre.
Nikki Duffy, The Guardian, 6 October 2007. Guardian
Seafood features prominently on many menus, together with farro - spelt wheat - a north Tuscan speciality eaten in soups, salads and stews.
Tessa Boase, The Guardian, 2 February 2002. Guardian