AAG has announced that the decision has been made to expand its product line of grains to include “super foods” organic brown teff and organic amaranth. Both products have been cultivated for thousands of years, earning them the designation of “ancient grains.”
One of the earliest domesticated food crops, brown teff has been a staple of Ethiopian and other East African diets for nearly 10,000 years. Today, its great flavor and impressive nutritional profile have made this tiny grain highly sought-after around the world. It has an earthy, nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Teff is a whole grain high in fiber and iron and, because it contains all 9 essential amino acids, it provides a complete protein profile. Naturally gluten free, teff is also rich in calcium, containing higher levels of this important nutrient than any other grain. Because the grain is so small, teff cannot be hulled or refined and is supplied in whole grain form.
Amaranth, a naturally gluten-free grain, was a major food crop of both the Aztecs and Mayans, and some estimate that it was domesticated between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago. Because of the high proteins, minerals and vitamins present in amaranth seeds, these ancient cultures depended on the grain as a major staple in their diets.
Some of the benefits of amaranth come from the fact that it’s a complete protein that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s also rich in fiber and has been shown to fight heart disease and digestive problems.
Both the teff and amaranth offered by Aquarian are naturally gluten free. They, like all Aquarian products, are organic and non-GMO.
Don Bielak, AAG chief, offered his assessment of the grains being added to the Aquarian product list. “We are pleased to include teff and amaranth – two delicious, nutritious, gluten-free ancient grains – to our offerings,” Bielak said. “As with all of our products, we seek out only the finest available anywhere – fresh, organic, healthy, and non-GMO. From the outset, we at AAG have pledged that our products would always be of the highest quality. Without a doubt, these two ancient grains live up to these high standards to the maximum.” Aquarian Ancient Grains is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. The company maintains a website which can be accessed at AAGrains.com.