What are ancient grains, and why are they special?

Ancient grains are traditional crop varieties that have remained largely unchanged over centuries. These grains have a naturally lower gluten index than modern wheat, making them highly digestible and mainly tolerated by those with gluten hypersensitivity.

Where do you source your ancient grains?

Together with our regional partner, we source our ancient grains from around 20 independent farmers. Our grains primarily come from Sicily, spanning the provinces of Enna, Caltanissetta, Siracusa, and Palermo. Additionally, we also procure grains from regions like Puglia and Campania, all cultivated using sustainable and ethical farming methods. This diverse sourcing ensures the quality and authenticity of our ancient grains.

Are your ancient grains suitable for people with gluten sensitivity?

Yes, our ancient grains are highly digestible and are mainly tolerated by those with gluten hypersensitivity due to their lower gluten index than modern wheat varieties. The gluten index measures the strength of gluten in grains. Modern durum wheat has a high gluten index of about 90%. Our ancient durum wheat has a lower gluten index, ranging from 15% to 60%, making it easier to tolerate, even for people with gluten sensitivities other than celiac disease.

How do ancient grains differ from modern wheat in terms of nutrition?

Ancient grains are nutritionally rich, offering higher levels of micronutrients compared to modern wheat varieties. They have also a lower gluten index, which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities.

What does "organic" mean in the context of the agriculture of your ancient grains, and why is it important?

"Organic" means that our farming practices adhere to strict organic certification standards. This entails avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs, promoting healthier soil and biodiversity, and contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem. It's important because it reflects our commitment to responsible and ethical food production.

How do you ensure that your ancient grains are grown and processed in compliance with organic certification standards?

We follow the organic regulations (EU) 2018/848, which dictate our farming practices and crop rotation. We employ visual inspections to assess soil quality and rely on regenerative methods like mulch, cover crops, and reduced tillage. These practices align with organic standards and contribute to the health of our crops and soil.

Do you support local farmers in transitioning to organic farming practices?

Yes, we actively support local farmers in transitioning to organic farming practices. We believe in fostering a sustainable food ecosystem and are committed to assisting farmers in making this important transition.

What is regenerative agriculture, and how does it play a role in your pasta production?

Regenerative agriculture is an approach that aims to improve soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. It plays a central role in the agriculture of our ancient grains by reducing soil erosion, preserving beneficial organisms, and promoting soil fertility. Our use of hard sowing or no-till seeding, cover cropping, and reduced tillage is key to our regenerative practices.

How does regenerative agriculture contribute to soil health and biodiversity conservation in your supply chain?

Regenerative agriculture helps maintain soil health by reducing erosion and supporting microorganisms, worms, and other beneficial organisms. This, in turn, enhances biodiversity conservation within our supply chain, promoting a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.

What price do you pay to farmers, and how does it differ from the average durum wheat market price?

We pay farmers up to 70 euros per 100 kg for their crops, depending on the quality of the crop. Our prices are typically 40 to 80% higher than the conventional modern durum wheat market price and 30 to 50% higher than the organic modern durum wheat market price. This reflects our commitment to fair compensation for our farmers and the sustainability of our food ecosystem.

How do you ensure fair compensation for the farmers who grow your ancient grains?

We prioritize fair compensation for our farmers by offering competitive prices based on various quality factors such as protein content, specific weight, moisture levels, and the absence of contaminants. Our aim is to provide our farmers with equitable remuneration for their hard work.

If you don't find the answer you're seeking, feel free to reach out to us at info@truefoods.ch, and we'll respond to your inquiry without delay!