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SPELT CROP
Booming crop
Spelt, contrary to popular belief, is not an artificial or transgenic variant of this century, its origin is estimated to go back 7000 years. The development of the industry in the last century did not lead to the extension of this crop, however, today, the possible benefits are considered both at a nutritional level and in the field of production.
And the fact is that the protein composition of this cereal makes the resulting flour more extensible than that of wheat, and this gives it a versatility that allows making the same products with spelt as those produced with wheat flour. Thus we can find spelt´s flour, whole wheat flour , pasta, sweets, etc. All these with the addition of the different nutritional contributions that this cereal offers us.
Today we can see how research groups such as the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), bet on the promotion of this crop, through genetic improvement. Observing how the productivity of the varieties that we find today, exceeds what is historically recorded. The spelt´s harvest has progressively reduced its ratio, becoming closer to that of wheat. Most of its production is intended for human consumption and it is expected that we will become more familiar with it and that it will gradually replace other cereals and occupy an important place in our diet.
Sowing
Spelt begins its sowing season in the fall, between September and November. Although soil is important for higher production, spelled has certain strengths and facilities to adapt to land where other crops would not thrive.
The use of fertilizers is not frequent for spelt, and they are relieved on occasions when the soil is drier. This cereal allows its cultivation at higher altitudes and in colder climates and therefore the soil does not usually present humidity problems. If it is advisable to aerate and clean the soil of impurities prior to sowing.
The seeds are placed between 3 and 6 cm deep and the distribution is made in rows with a separation of up to 20 cm, enough for it to develop properly.
The required fertilizer is preferably organic and would be applied, if necessary, during planting.
Weather and soil
A climate with a temperature around 20-25 degrees Celsius is required. The humidity obtained by the crop is partially natural, taking into account the months in which it is sown. It does not require much moisture other than that present in the soil. It is able to withstand very adverse weather conditions, it adapts well to the cold, which has given the opportunity to promote its cultivation in central Europe and even in the province of Teruel.
As for the soil, as we have already mentioned, it is not a demanding crop. If you need deep soils to favor its root system and development, with good drainage. Irrigation must not be abundant, the rainfall in the months of sowing already provides the water it needs (even thriving in years with 400 mm). It would only be watered at the time of planting and if there was a drought.
Harvest
The growing of the canes occurs with the rise in temperatures, then the stem grows by elongation of the internodes. The spike would come at the moment in which the humidity disappears. The spelled is therefore collected in late spring, when the ears dry up and fall under their weight. After cutting the plants, they will be placed in a cool and dry place, once this is done, it takes a month for the grain to mature and dry, then it can be extracted.
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