COLOURED WHEAT enriched with anthocyanins and zinc

“NABI has signed MoUs with Ambala-based Farm Grocer Company, Borlaug Farmers Association for Asia and Golden Agrigenetic India Ltd., Lucknow to commercialise it”, and ITC have shown interest in making products from coloured wheat,”. “The new variety is loaded with more nutrition value than traditional varieties. It is enriched with antioxidants called anthocyanins and minerals such as zinc and iron. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring chemicals that give blueberries their colour. Fruits like jamun, pomegranates, plums and vegetables like brinjal and bell peppers are rich sources of anthocyanins too. Regular inclusion of anthocyanins in diet can remove harmful free radicals from the body and help in preventing many lifestyle disorders such as obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and inflammation”, she added.

Coloured wheat is commercially sold in New Zealand, Canada and some European countries. But somehow these coloured wheat do not thrive well in Indian climate. NABI has been, with cautious efforts successful to develop seeds suitable for the Indian climate and soil conditions, she said. About 1,870 quintals of coloured wheat has already been grown in the last rabi season. According to agriculture experts, if grown widely, farmers will receive a premium on the new variety over the normal wheat.

Coloured wheat contains a considerable proportion of carbohydrates and dietary fibers and also at the same time have lower level of sugars as compared to fruits rich in anthocyanins, making it an ideal diet to control diabetes and obesity, Dr Garg said. Black and purple wheat have already been given to the farmers and the industry for commercial production. Chandigarh-based bakery, Monica’s, has planned to introduce muffins, breads and cookies made from coloured wheat from September onwards. “We have distributed the products among our friends and families and received good response,” said Monica Sood, the promoter of the bakery. The Bansal Group is planning to introduce roasted snacks and flour made from coloured wheat. “We are waiting for the monsoon to get over to launch the products,” said Anoop Aggarwal, proprietor, Bansal Group.

Coloured wheat