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'''Durum wheat''' (''Triticum durum''), also known as ''pasta wheat'' or ''macaroni wheat'', is a species of [[wheat]] that is the second most cultivated species of wheat globally. It is a tetraploid wheat, which means it has four sets of chromosomes. Durum in Latin means "hard", and the species is aptly named due to its hard kernel. Durum wheat is primarily used to make [[semolina]], which is ground from the endosperm of the wheat kernel and is used in making [[pasta]], [[couscous]], and some types of [[bread]].
==Durum Wheat==
[[File:Triticum_durum.jpg|thumb|right|Triticum durum, a species of wheat]]
'''Durum wheat''' (''Triticum durum''), also known as pasta wheat or macaroni wheat, is a species of [[wheat]] that is grown on a large scale in the Middle East and other regions. It is the second most cultivated species of wheat after [[common wheat]] (''Triticum aestivum'').


== History ==
==Characteristics==
Durum wheat originated through the domestication of wild emmer wheat ([[Triticum dicoccoides]]) around 7000 BC in the Near East, in the region known as the Fertile Crescent. It has been an essential crop in the Mediterranean region since antiquity, where it was cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Durum wheat is a [[tetraploid]] species of wheat, which means it has four sets of chromosomes. It is characterized by its hard texture and high protein content, which makes it ideal for the production of [[semolina]] and pasta products. The grains of durum wheat are amber-colored and larger than those of other wheat species.


== Cultivation ==
==Cultivation==
Durum wheat is especially suited to dry climates and is predominantly grown in areas such as the Canadian Prairies, northern Great Plains of the United States, and the Russian steppes. It requires a similar growing season to other types of wheat, with planting and harvesting times depending on the specific climate of the region.
Durum wheat is primarily grown in regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It requires less water than other types of wheat, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is well adapted to withstand drought conditions and poor soil quality.


== Uses ==
==Uses==
The primary use of durum wheat is in the production of semolina. Semolina's high gluten and protein content make it ideal for producing high-quality pasta that retains its shape and texture during cooking. Durum wheat is also used in the production of bread in some Mediterranean countries and is a key ingredient in North African cuisine, particularly in the form of couscous.
[[File:Treccioni_bulk.jpg|thumb|left|Treccioni bulk, a type of pasta made from durum wheat]]
The primary use of durum wheat is in the production of pasta. The high gluten content and strong protein structure of durum wheat make it ideal for pasta production, as it provides the necessary elasticity and firmness. Durum wheat is also used to make couscous, bulgur, and some types of bread.


== Nutritional Information ==
==Processing==
Durum wheat is a good source of several essential nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, and B vitamins. However, like all types of wheat, it contains gluten, making it unsuitable for individuals with [[Celiac disease]] or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Durum wheat is milled into semolina, a coarse flour that is used to make pasta. The milling process involves grinding the wheat grains and separating the endosperm from the bran and germ. The semolina is then mixed with water to form a dough, which is shaped into various pasta forms.


== Genetic Modification ==
==Nutritional Value==
To date, there are no commercially available genetically modified (GM) varieties of durum wheat. The cultivation and sale of GM wheat are currently prohibited in many countries due to health and environmental concerns.
Durum wheat is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. It is considered a healthy carbohydrate source and is often included in balanced diets.


== Challenges ==
==Related Pages==
One of the main challenges facing durum wheat cultivation is its susceptibility to various diseases and pests, such as wheat rust, which can significantly reduce crop yields. Climate change also poses a threat to durum wheat production, as increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can affect the growth and quality of the crop.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Wheat]]
* [[Wheat]]
* [[Pasta]]
* [[Semolina]]
* [[Semolina]]
* [[Pasta]]
* [[Couscous]]
* [[Couscous]]
* [[Celiac disease]]
== References ==
<references/>


[[Category:Cereals]]
[[Category:Wheat]]
[[Category:Wheat]]
{{Agriculture-stub}}
[[Category:Agriculture]]
<gallery>
[[Category:Crops]]
File:Triticum_durum.jpg
File:Treccioni_bulk.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Triticum_durum.jpg|Triticum durum
File:Treccioni_bulk.jpg|Treccioni bulk
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:19, 23 March 2025

Durum Wheat[edit]

Triticum durum, a species of wheat

Durum wheat (Triticum durum), also known as pasta wheat or macaroni wheat, is a species of wheat that is grown on a large scale in the Middle East and other regions. It is the second most cultivated species of wheat after common wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Characteristics[edit]

Durum wheat is a tetraploid species of wheat, which means it has four sets of chromosomes. It is characterized by its hard texture and high protein content, which makes it ideal for the production of semolina and pasta products. The grains of durum wheat are amber-colored and larger than those of other wheat species.

Cultivation[edit]

Durum wheat is primarily grown in regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It requires less water than other types of wheat, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is well adapted to withstand drought conditions and poor soil quality.

Uses[edit]

Treccioni bulk, a type of pasta made from durum wheat

The primary use of durum wheat is in the production of pasta. The high gluten content and strong protein structure of durum wheat make it ideal for pasta production, as it provides the necessary elasticity and firmness. Durum wheat is also used to make couscous, bulgur, and some types of bread.

Processing[edit]

Durum wheat is milled into semolina, a coarse flour that is used to make pasta. The milling process involves grinding the wheat grains and separating the endosperm from the bran and germ. The semolina is then mixed with water to form a dough, which is shaped into various pasta forms.

Nutritional Value[edit]

Durum wheat is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. It is considered a healthy carbohydrate source and is often included in balanced diets.

Related Pages[edit]