Making Your Own Wheat Berry Cereal: A Crunchy, Nutritious Breakfast
If you're looking for a wholesome, homemade breakfast option that's packed with nutrition, making your own wheat berry cereal is a fantastic choice. Say goodbye to cereals with artificial flavors, colors, and high fructose corn syrup and hello to making your own. This crunchy cereal is not only delicious but also rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to fuel your day. Making your own wheat berry cereal can also be customizable by tweaking recipes to taste, being cost-effective, and a sustainable choice for those who enjoy breakfast cereals.
Why Choose Wheat Berry Cereal?
Store-bought cereals are loaded with refined grains, sugar, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, that aren’t the healthiest for us. Unlike store-bought cereals with a complicated ingredients list, homemade wheat berry cereal is:
✓ Nutritious – High in fiber for digestion, protein for sustained energy, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. This wheat berry cereal is made from a whole grain and remains unrefined, preserving its natural nutrients without being lost in processing.
✓ Budget-Friendly – Buying wheat berries in bulk and making your own cereals is much cheaper than processed, packaged cereals in the long run.
✓ Customizable – Adjust the flavors, sweetness, and texture to suit your preferences. Honey or maple syrup are viable options with optional toppings of dry fruit or nuts of choice. It’s all up to you.
✓ Sustainable – Whole grains require less processing and packaging, making them an eco-friendly choice. Making batches in bulk and storing in glass mason jars is the way to go.
How to Make Crunchy Wheat Berry Cereal
Making wheat berry cereal at home is incredibly easy and requires just a few steps:
Step 1: Cook the Wheat Berries
1. Rinse 1 cup of wheat berries under cold water to remove any debris.
2. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Add the wheat berries and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the berries are tender but still chewy.
4. Drain the excess water and let them cool for a bit.
Step 2: Dry the Wheat Berries
1. Spread the cooked wheat berries on a clean kitchen towel or a baking sheet.
2. Let them air dry for at least an hour or pat them dry with a towel to remove excess
moisture.
Step 3: Roast for Crunchiness
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Spread the dried wheat berries evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Toss them lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or olive oil (optional for extra crispiness).
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crunchy.
5. Let them cool completely before storing or serving.
Step 4: Flavor Variations
Here are some variations to flavor your cereal with! Some variations require to be added in before or after baking:
1. 🍯 Classic Honey & Cinnamon – Toss with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking.
2. 🥜 Nutty Delight – Add chopped almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds after baking.
3. 🍫 Chocolate Crunch – Mix in cocoa powder and maple syrup for a naturally sweet,
chocolatey flavor.
How to Serve Your Wheat Berry Cereal
Your cereal can be served in many different ways! Some options include:
1. 🥛 Classic Bowl of Cereal – Serve with your favorite milk or a dairy-free alternative.
2. 🥣 Yogurt Parfait – Layer with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey.
3. 🥄 Oatmeal or Smoothie Bowl Topping – Add to have a crunch topping to these breakfast options.
4. 🥾 Trail Mix – Mix with dried fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate chips for a snack on the trails or out-and-about.
How to Store:
Your cereal needs to be stored in a cool and dry environment for optimal freshness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. There are plenty of options available online for glass food storage containers. If you want to preserve it for longer, then refrigeration or freezing can preserve up to one month. Figuring out ways on how to preserve your own homemade food is a much better alternative to the artificial preservatives found in store-bought cereals.
Final Thoughts:
Homemade wheat berry cereal is a fantastic way to enjoy whole grains in a simple, wholesome way. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and completely customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Try it out!
Written by: Katie Evans