Einkorn or triticum monococcum, was the original wheat developed over 20,000 years ago. It became a diet staple across the Mediterranean because of its ability to survive on poor soils where other species of wheat fail. It eventually disappeared from fields in Roman times when other varieties of wheat became popular due to their bigger yields and easier processing. We have been growing einkorn on our farm since 2008 and think the flour is perfect for bread baking. It grows on tall stalks which are distinguished by their short, flat, two row seed head which enclose small grains in an inedible husk. After harvest we remove the husk and mill the grain into a soft golden flour on our millstones.
* text from Doves Farm
Organic einkorn bread
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450g organic einkorn flour
50g strong, unbleached white flour
280g bottled water
100g sourdough starter
20g rapeseed oil
1g baker’s yeast
10g kosher salt
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Put the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the water, sourdough starter, salt and baker’s yeast. Mix together well and knead the dough for 5 to 6 minutes. Leave to rise covered with a tea towel for about 1.5 hours. Take the dough out of the bowl. Shape into a disc and fold over 4 edges to the centre, turn over and mould into a ball. Cover with a tea towel. Leave the dough to rise on a greased flat baking tray or place in a well floured banneton for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in bulk. Pre-heat the oven @ 220°C with a shallow tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam. Brush with einkorn flour and slash, as desired, with a lame or razor blade. Bake for 26 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire tray, covered with a tea towel.
Doves Farm Foods
Doves Farm Foods was established in 1978 when we wanted to make flour from the organic wheat we grew. We bought a millstone and set it up in the barn on our farm on the picturesque Wiltshire/Berkshire border. We now have a thriving business which mills many different and rare grains. At the heart of our ethos, we are dedicated to ethical production methods, slow food and the organic movement. on our farm we rotate crops, livestock and grassland, as well as respecting the boidiversity of wildlife and the local environment. We have had Soil Association organic certification for over 30 years.
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* text from Doves Farm
