Romagna’s Ancient Grains: A Culinary and Cultural Revival

Modern diets heavily favor refined, mass-produced wheat, often overlooking the nutritional richness and heritage of ancient grains. While widely consumed white flour yields efficient, large-scale production, it lacks the nutritional density of its less-processed counterparts. This has spurred a resurgence of interest in heirloom varieties. Unlike commercially modified grains, ancient grains remain largely unchanged from their original forms. While Kamut is a prominent example, Italy boasts its own treasure trove of these grains, particularly in Romagna. Around Oriolo dei Fichi, in the Faenza area, farmers are actively reviving nearly-extinct varieties like Gentil Rosso, Ardito, and Senatore Cappelli, showcasing a commitment to biodiversity. The Molino Pransani mill in Sogliano al Rubicone, operating since 1910, stands as a leading Italian producer of stone-ground and roller-milled ancient grain flours, prioritizing organic and high-quality ingredients. Furthermore, Bio’s, a company in Rimini, produces “Farina dei Grani Antichi di Romagna,” a blend of ten organic, locally-cultivated ancient grains grown between Sogliano and Mercato Saraceno, including Rieti, Gentil Rosso, Inallettabile, Frassineto, Verna, Marzotto, Abbondanza, Mec, Centauro, and Belvedere. These ancient grains offer significant advantages over conventional white flour. Their minimal processing, often involving traditional stone grinding, preserves nutritional integrity and maintains a better balance of starch and gluten, promoting easier digestion. Reduced gluten content also minimizes the risk of intolerances. Organoleptically, they possess unique aromatic nuances and flavors unattainable in industrial wheat. Choosing these grains directly supports small-scale, dedicated producers who champion quality despite increased production challenges. Selecting ancient grains promotes biodiversity, safeguards our cultural legacy, and contributes to environmental sustainability. Enjoy the superior taste, and support a healthier planet and lifestyle.