As one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, wheat comes in a variety of forms. In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of wheat crops and explore their unique characteristics and uses.
1. Hard red winter wheat: This type of wheat is the most widely grown in the United States. Dense and high in protein, it is ideal for baking bread. Hard red winter wheat is planted in the fall, goes dormant over the winter months, and then resumes growth in the spring.
2. Soft red winter wheat: This type of wheat is similar to hard red winter wheat in appearance but lower in protein content, making it ideal for making pastries, cakes, and cookies. Like hard red winter wheat, it is planted in the fall and harvested in early summer.
3. Hard white wheat: This type of wheat is a relatively new variety, developed in the 1990s. It is similar to hard red winter wheat in protein content but has a lighter color and milder flavor. Hard white wheat is commonly used in bread, but also works well in cakes, pastries, and noodles.
4. Soft white wheat: This type of wheat has a low protein content and a delicate flavor, making it ideal for baked goods that require a lighter, more delicate texture, such as cakes, pastries, and cookies. Soft white wheat is often grown in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
5. Durum wheat: Durum wheat is primarily used for making pasta. It has a high protein content and a dense texture, which allows it to hold its shape when cooked. Durum wheat is typically grown in the Mediterranean region.
6. Spring wheat: Unlike winter wheat, which is planted in the fall and harvested in the summer, spring wheat is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Spring wheat is typically lower in protein content than winter wheat but can still be used in bread and other baked goods.
In conclusion, the variety of wheat crops available today allows for a wide range of uses in the culinary world. From bread and pastries to pasta, each type of wheat has its unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific applications.