Wheat Germ Substitute

If you are making a recipe from a book and suddenly you discover that you don't have wheat germ at home, then your best bet is to substitute it with something else. Before we get into some of the substitutes for wheat germ, we have to know what wheat germ is. A grain of wheat known as 'wheat kernel' is the seed that grows into wheat grass and is divided into 3 distinctive parts. They are called the bran, endosperm and the germ. Wheat germ is a very small part of a grain of wheat, which is actually the reproductive part of the kernel. This wheat germ germinates and forms the wheat grass, and it is the most nutrient rich part of the wheat. It is extracted from the kernel and then used as a supplement due to its high nutritive value. There are many wheat germ recipes. But if you don't have wheat germ, or are gluten intolerant, then you need a substitute for wheat germ.

Substitute for Wheat Germ for Flour and Bread

When you have a recipe that calls for wheat germ flour, then you have to remember that the wheat germ is added for its nutritive value and not its flavor. There are some people who claim that wheat germ flour has a slightly nutty taste, but the majority believe that there is not much of a flavor in it. One of the best substitute for wheat germ for flour is to use equal quantities of whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour is made by grinding the whole wheat kernels and thus, naturally contains wheat germ in it. Some baked products which are made with whole wheat flour will be more dense and hard. So when you substitute whole wheat flour for wheat germ in a recipe, always make sure to sift the flour one or two more times so that more air is incorporated into the mixture or batter.

When you are looking for wheat germ substitute in bread, flax seed is a good option. Grind some flax seed according to the amount specified in the recipe and you have a great substitute for wheat germ. Flax seed is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, vitamin B, zinc and folic acids. One important thing to remember while substituting wheat germ for flaxseeds is that it will give your food a chewier texture. When a recipe calls for wheat germ, but you need a wheat germ substitute that is completely gluten free, almond meal is a good option. For making cakes without wheat germ, just use 2/3 amount of almond meal, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

Wheat Germ Substitute in Savory Food

If you are making a savory recipe that needs to be coated in wheat germ and then fried, then the best substitute for wheat germ is to use fresh bread crumbs. Just toast some bread in the toaster or oven, and then process it in a food processor, so that you have a rough crumb. For making granolas, you can use bran or oatmeal. You might find the oatmeal a little rough and denser for your purpose. In that case, just process it into a fine crumb like texture in a food processor.

Wheat germ nutrition is considerable and is thus good for your body. Also remember that wheat germ absorbs more water so, adjust the quantity of liquid in your recipe when you substitute it. Happy Cooking!