What are ancient grains?

Ancient grains are cereals and seeds that have remained largely unchanged by selective breeding over the last several hundred years. Examples include einkorn, spelt, quinoa, amaranth, teff, and buckwheat. They are prized for their nutritional density, unique flavors, and historical significance.

Which ancient grains are gluten-free?

Nine ancient grains are naturally gluten-free: amaranth, buckwheat, chia, quinoa, teff, sorghum, common millet, foxtail millet, and hemp. Oats are gluten-free if uncontaminated. Einkorn, emmer, spelt, khorasan, and rye all contain gluten.

What is the best ancient grain for baking?

Einkorn is considered the best ancient grain for baking bread and pastries due to its buttery flavor and workable gluten structure. Spelt is another excellent choice that substitutes 1:1 for modern wheat flour. For gluten-free baking, sorghum flour and teff flour are the most versatile options.

Where can I buy ancient grain flour?

Ancient grain flour is available from brands like Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur Baking, and Jovial Foods on Amazon. For the freshest flour, consider buying a home grain mill and milling your own from whole grain berries. Popular options include the NutriMill Impact electric mill, the Country Living hand-crank mill, and KitchenAid grain-mill attachments.

Which ancient grain has the most protein?

Among ancient grains, amaranth leads with approximately 13.6g of protein per 100g, followed closely by quinoa at 14.1g (and notably a complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids), hemp seeds at 31.6g, and chia seeds at 16.5g. Teff and buckwheat also provide substantial protein at 13.3g and 13.3g per 100g respectively.

Is Amaranth gluten-free?

Amaranth is Gluten-free. Notable nutrients: High protein, vitamins, antioxidants.

Where does Amaranth come from?

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) was first cultivated around ~4,000 BCE, Central Mexico. Today it is grown across Americas, Asia, Africa.

How do you cook Amaranth?

Use a 2.5:1 water-to-grain ratio. Bring water to a boil, add Amaranth, cover, and simmer for 20-25 min. Common dishes include Porridge, polenta, grain bowls, popped amaranth.

How much protein is in Amaranth?

Per 100g (raw), Amaranth contains 13.56 g of protein and 371 kcal of energy.

What does Amaranth taste like?

Amaranth has a Earthy, nutty, slightly peppery flavor profile.

All grains · Heritage Grain

Amaranth

Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Pre-ColumbianGluten-freeAmericas, Asia, Africa371 kcal/100gEarthy, nutty, slightly peppery

The Spanish conquistadors banned amaranth cultivation and burned fields because of its role in Aztec religious ceremonies, where it was mixed with blood to sculpt edible effigies of gods.

Origin & History

Domesticated in the Tehuacán Valley of Central Mexico around 4,000 BCE, amaranth became a staple of the Aztec and Maya civilizations, comprising up to 80% of Aztec caloric intake and serving as religious tribute. Following the Spanish conquest in 1519, colonial authorities suppressed its cultivation due to its association with indigenous ceremonies, but it persisted in remote regions across the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Discovery~4,000 BCE, Central Mexico

Time PeriodPre-Columbian

Origin Coords18.46°, -97.39°

Current CultivationAmericas, Asia, Africa

Latest from the Blog

2026-06-14 · 850 words

Gluten-FreeExplainerBeginner-Friendly

Sorghum Syrup: What It Is and How to Cook With It

Sorghum syrup is the South's heritage sweetener, an amber syrup pressed from sorghum cane. What it is, how it differs from molasses, how to use it, and substitutes.

2026-06-13 · 993 words

Gluten-FreeRecipeWorld Cuisine

Injera Recipe: How to Make Ethiopian Teff Flatbread

An authentic injera recipe for Ethiopian teff flatbread with its signature sour tang and spongy holes. Naturally gluten-free, with a 3-day fermentation guide.

2026-06-13 · 1008 words

RecipeSourdoughBaking

Sourdough Discard Bagels: Chewy, Boiled, Easy Recipe

Sourdough discard bagels with a chewy, glossy crust. The boil-then-bake method, same-day or overnight, using leftover starter with no active feeding.

View all articles →

Home Grain Mills: Mill Your Own Flour

Nothing beats the flavor and nutrition of freshly milled flour. These are the best home grain mills for every budget and every ancient grain on this page.

Best Electric

NutriMill Impact

Compact high-speed electric mill from NutriMill, the brand most home bakers buy. Stainless-steel milling heads grind any whole grain into fresh flour in seconds. Quiet enough for daily baking, fine enough for delicate einkorn or teff.

$249 Buy on Amazon

KitchenAid stand-mixer grain mill attachment

Best for KitchenAid Owners

KitchenAid Mill Attachment

Metal grain mill attachment that mounts to any KitchenAid stand mixer. If you already own one, it's the cheapest way into home milling: no countertop space, no second appliance. Adjustable burrs from coarse to fine.

$60 Buy on Amazon

Best Hand-Crank

Country Living Grain Mill

Built like a tank: cast aluminum body, hardened steel burrs, lifetime warranty. No electricity needed. Grinds any grain including corn and dried legumes. A serious homesteader's mill that lasts generations.

$495 Buy on Amazon

WonderMill Junior compact hand-crank grain mill

Best Compact Hand-Mill

WonderMill Junior Hand Mill

Compact hand-crank mill for flour, wheat, and gluten-free grains, nuts, seeds, oily foods, and spices. Adjustable burr settings deliver coarse to fine flour without electricity.

$279 Buy on Amazon

Best Budget

Victoria Manual Grain Mill

Cast-iron hand mill under $50, clamps to any countertop. Surprisingly effective for small-batch milling of softer grains like einkorn, oats, and buckwheat. Great entry point before investing in an electric mill.

$42 Buy on Amazon

As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend mills we've researched and would buy ourselves.