Sowing the Seeds. Photo courtesy of Doyle Yoder Photography.

There are many different theories as to the origins of the spelt grain. The most popular theory appears to find this grain originating in the Fertile Crescent region thousands of years ago…over the centuries, finding its way throughout Europe. Spelt is an ancient grain and believed to be preceded only by the grains Emmer and Einkorn. Spelt is referred to throughout the Bible, with the earliest reference of it being found in the book of Exodus. Spelten cakes sustained Moses and the children of Israel in their exodus from Egypt. Italians refer to it as “Farro” and is primarily used in gourmet dishes. The Germans refer to it as “Dinkel” and can be found in a wide variety of foods, from bread to beer. Spelt found its way to America, among the valued possessions of its many immigrants.

The Hildegard Practice…Konstanz, Germany
Our never ending search for knowledge about the spelt grain and its many health benefits, led us to The Hildegard Practice. Dr. Gottfried Hertzka M.D., the founder of the clinic is a medical doctor in Germany and author of the best selling book on St. Hildegard medicine, “So Heilt Gott.” He worked clinically with St. Hildegard’s theories for thirty years. Dr. Wighard Strehlow was a research chemist in the pharmaceutical industry in Germany. Since 1984 he has succeeded Dr. Hertzka at the Hildegard Practice in Konstanz. They are co-authors of the book “Hildegard of Bingen’s Medicine.” At the clinic they incorporate the many teachings and beliefs of Hildegard, in the healing process of their patients. They treat every type of illness, from depression to cancer. They consider “pure spelt grain” a key ingredient to treating their patients, and contribute 80% of their healing successes to the spelt diet. Meeting their patients and learning of the many successes they have experienced using St. Hildegard’s teachings over the years, was an amazing experience. We were fortunate enough to be invited to stay for lunch…where spelt was used to prepare every dish, from salad to dessert in addition to what they refer to as spelt coffee. We are by no means saying that we endorse the clinic, the practitioners or even their practices. But one must assume the thousands of patients they claim to have successfully treated over the past 40 years, would indeed sing their praises.

St. Hildegard…The Fascination Continues
It would be nearly impossible to do any type of research pertaining to spelt, without continually coming across the name “Hildegard.” Who is Hildegard?...a Saint, a doctor or a specialists in spelt?...and what did her teachings imply? Now we’ve known of St. Hildegard for quite some time, but after visiting The Hildegard Clinic, we felt it was our duty, to get to know her a little bit better. After all, she is by far the greatest advocate that exists for the little wonder grain known as spelt. With spelt being the main ingredient for all of our products, we felt it our duty to research this woman to ensure she in fact was doing justice to it…and indeed she is! Since she was born in 1098, obviously interviewing her wasn’t going to be possible. So it appeared that reading about her, and reading her work, would in fact become our reality for a while. The more we read about this woman, the more fascinated we became. St. Hildegard became a nun at the age of 16. She was considered to be a prophet, because of the ongoing visions she had throughout her life. She wrote numerous books, songs, poetry, and taught Christian values throughout the continent. In 1151, St. Hildegard founded her own convent near Bingen. It became the meeting place of Europe; literally thousands of people came to see her in an attempt to seek council. Her teachings are really quite simple and very similar to the things that are being taught in the natural health world today. St. Hildegard teaches of the importance of balance in one’s life as being the key to optimal health. She believes that optimal health can only be achieved if the body, mind and spirit are all well. She also takes a holistic approach to treatments; believing in the treatment of the entire body, not just the particular ailment. The remedies that she teaches are all natural…they are all from God’s creation. She never practiced medicine; all of her remedies are based on things she learned through observation as well as things that were shown to her through visions. The most amazing fact is that modern biology and medicine today, have verified all of her observations. She truly was quite amazing and very much ahead of her time.

St. Hildegard teaches (6) basic things about the benefits of spelt in ones diet:

1) “Dinkel ist das beste Korn”…Spelt is the best grain; it is not susceptible to fungi diseases, pollutants or insects due to its tight outer hull, making it a favorable grain to grow without the use of pesticides.
2) “Dinkel wirkt waermend”…Spelt is warming; supports good blood circulation
3) “Dinkel wirkt fettend”…Spelt has a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (mainly Linol acid and Linoleen acid) important for regeneration of nerve cells; based upon the Atkins theory, fat burns fat, it also aids in weight loss.
4) “Dinkel ist gelinder”…Spelt is mild; and easy to digest, due to its high water solubility, its nutrients are easily absorbed by the body.
5) “Dinkel bildet gutes Fleisch”…Spelt promotes fitness and strength; high in protein, promotes muscle expansion and endurance…with a higher percentage of important amino acids. Its protein levels are 10-25% great then that found in wheat.
6) “Dinkel gibt ein aufgelockertes Gemuet und Gabe zu Frohsinn”…Spelt has a positive effect on ones mind, heart and soul and in fact to your entire nature; This is due to the higher levels of L-Tryptophan which in turn promote and aid in the production of serotonin. Spelt is also rich in B and E vitamins.

The Mysteries of Spelt…Wheat Sensitivities, Gluten Intolerance, Celiac and more

If you are expecting us to tell you that spelt is an alternative for those with wheat intolerances or wheat allergies…you can guess again! If you are expecting us to tell you that spelt is gluten free…you can also guess again! If you are expecting us to tell you that if you suffer from Celiac disease that we recommend products made of spelt…you most certainly better guess again! Now we are not totally crazy, we most certainly know why many of you are eating our spelt products. After all, we have tons of letters and testimonials stating as much. But we need more…we need scientific documented research and case studies, before we’re willing to make such claims.

But here is what we will tell you:
Spelt does contain gluten, but not all glutens are created equally. Feel free to interpret this in any manner you like.

Spelt is an ancient grain, preceded by Emmer and Einkorn…no where can we find that it was preceded by wheat. Feel free to also interpret this, in any manner that you like.

There are other reasons as to why you should choose Berlin Natural Bakery spelt products; you just learned about the nutritional and health benefits of spelt grain, but let’s not forget the obvious…Berlin Natural Bakery products just plain taste good! Regardless of the reason you buy our products…we most sincerely thank you for doing so. We truly value our customers!

In conclusion…if you think there is a possibility that you suffer from wheat sensitivities, gluten allergies or celiac disease, we urge you to contact your physician. Today there are numerous tests available that can specifically diagnose your problem. We will continue to fight the battles necessary to gain more scientific knowledge about why spelt does, what it seems to do. As new information becomes available, we will keep you updated on the facts. If you have any questions, concerns or comments or product suggestions, please contact us via e-mail at info@berlinnaturalbakery.com. We look forward to hearing from you.