Try a Glamorous New Old Grain

Once Exotic Goods Coming to a Supermarket Near You

30 Days to Green Your Diet - Whole grains should be part of a healthy eating plan.

Photo: Lars Mislej / Istock

By Deborah Barrow

30 Days to a Greener Diet - Day 5

Remember when you thought polenta was weird? And then it started showing up on menus at all the chic restaurants? By the time it was served at a post-Oscar bash a couple of years ago, it was available in conventional supermarkets from coast to coast.

Well, get ready for a whole new list of some of the oldest grains known to mankind — that is, up until about 60 years ago, when Big Ag took over our food supply and "simplified" our choices. They’re incredibly healthy, hearty and so easy to use that even a newbie to cooking can tackle them.

Here are our favorites, with links to delicious recipes:

Bulgur: This is a whole wheat product that cooks quickly and is high in fiber. It's popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Easy Tabbouleh Recipe

Wheat berries: An unprocessed whole grain wheat product, wheat berries need more time to cook but are highly nutritious.
Wheat Berry Salad with Dried Fruit, Almonds and Chevre Recipe

Quinoa: Originating in South America, quinoa is high in protein, versatile, and has a mild flavor. It is not a wheat product and therefore can be tolerated by people who are allergic to wheat.
Smoked Quinoa with Vegan Sour Cream Recipe

Spelt: Flour made from spelt is used in a variety of baked goods, and it is found in most health food stores.
Orange Spelt Muffins (Dairy Free) Recipe