Did you grow up thinking wheat germ was something akin to sawdust that health nuts sprinkled on everything they ate? You may have been partially right, because wheat germ actually is quite good on just about anything. As a matter of fact, although it doesn't have must in common with sawdust, if the processed meat manufacturers added it to their hot dogs instead of some of the things they are rumored to throw in, they might be on the right track toward improving their product.
Wheat germ is the site of nourishment for the growing wheat plant. In the milling of white flour the germ, rich in B vitamins and protein, is removed.
What germ is traditionally sold in the cereal section of your supermarket, and although its uses extend far beyond the cereal bowl, with milk and fruit it is a very tasty and healthy meal. There is no need to buy wheat germ presweetened with sugar or honey. Add your own sweetener and you will save on money, unwanted additives, and will be able to use your wheat germ in savory as well as sweet dishes.
Wheat germ is more perishable than other dry cereals and once opened should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity. Up until now, the toasted kind only was available in the supermarket. Although the toasted is usually preferred for taste, the raw wheat germ has more vitamins. Fewer vitamins will be lost if you purchase it raw and toast it yourself in a dry skillet over low heat.
Wheat Germ Improves Almost Everything
Try using wheat germ in some of these ways to enhance the quality of your favorite dishes:
Add ¼ cup of wheat germ to every 1 cup of flour or bread crumbs when coating meat, fish, poultry, or vegetables, or in making crumb topping
Sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat germ into meat, fish, and egg salads. No one will ever know it's there
Add it to ground meat mixtures before shaping your meat loaf, hamburger, or meat balls
Sprinkle 1 heaping teaspoon of wheat germ over individual bowls of salad, both fruit and vegetable, for a crunchy garnish
Enhance a sandwich with a teaspoon of wheat germ layered over the bread spread
Add 2 tablespoons of wheat germ per cup of flour to the batter for bread, cakes, and cookies
Let toasted wheat germ serve as an ice cream or pudding topping
Rolling cheese balls, candy, or fruit in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut? Why not toss in some wheat germ as well
