What are the Different Varieties of Wheat in Australia?

Australia is well known for its abundance of wheat, with most varieties used for baking bread, pastries and other baked goods. In fact, it's estimated that Australia produces over 25 million tonnes of wheat each year. You may be particularly interested in wheat if you plan to launch a new food product or introduce additional options in your hospitality chain. So, what types of wheat are available in Australia and what are some of the most popular varieties?

Different Varieties of Wheat 

Durum Wheat

Durum wheat is often used to make pasta and couscous. It has a high gluten content, which makes it ideal for these purposes. Durum wheat also has a higher protein content than other varieties, making it more nutritious than other types of flour. The grains tend to be quite small and round, making them easy to grind into flour.

Triticale

Triticale is a hybrid grain created from crossing rye and wheat plants. This variety is becoming increasingly popular due to its higher nutrient content compared to traditional wheat varieties. It also has more fibre than rye or wheat alone, making it an excellent choice for those looking for healthier alternatives. Triticale can be used in any recipe that calls for wheat flour, but its unique flavour may require some experimentation to get the desired result.

Spelt

Spelt is another ancient grain that's gaining in popularity due to its nutritional benefits. It contains more fibre than traditional wheat varieties, as well as higher levels of essential fatty acids and minerals like iron and magnesium. Spelt has a nutty flavour that works well in breads and pastries, but it can also be used in savoury dishes like soups and stews.

Other Categories of Wheat

Wheat products can be further categorised into classes across several different categories. For example, there are premium hard wheats, general-purpose solutions and speciality wheats. There's even a new class known as "innovative", where you will find wheat products that have unique end-user properties.

Make a Choice

From durum wheat to triticale and spelt, there are plenty of different types of wheat available in Australia — each with its own unique flavour profile and nutritional benefits. Whether you're looking for something more nutritious or just want something different from traditional white flour, you will have plenty to choose from. 

To find out more about wheat varieties in Australia, contact a company like Australian Grain Technologies.