Wheat is one of the most cultivated and consumed foods worldwide. It is one of the bases of human nutrition, but it is also used in the production of food for animals. Surely you already know that there are many varieties of this cereal and, therefore, we want to analyze in detail the Differences between white wheat and durum wheat.
Let's see what peculiarities its sowing, cultivation and harvest has. And what each of them is suitable for, analyzing the uses they may have.
Characteristics of white wheat
- Grain. White wheat or Triticum aestivum is a cereal with a medium to large grain, oval or elongated in shape. Its outer shell is light in color, and can vary from pale yellow to golden.
- Plant. White wheat is tall, and can reach between 60 and 120 centimeters in length. The stem is green with lanceolate leaves, and its spikes are long and thin, allowing them to house multiple grains.
Characteristics of durum wheat
- Grain. Its grain is smaller and harder than that of white wheat. It has a rounded shape and its outer shell is harder and more resistant. Its color can vary from yellow to brown, and can even be reddish.
- Plant. It looks very similar to white wheat, but is somewhat smaller. Its spikes are short and dense, and this is what makes its grains compact in size.
Differences between white wheat and durum wheat in cultivation
Let's see the particularities of the cultivation and harvesting of these two varieties:
white wheat
- Sowing time. The seeds are worked with in autumn, so that the crop benefits from a humid and cool climate during the growth phase.
- Particularities of sowing. The seeds are sown at a fairly shallow depth, about two to five centimeters from the surface. The planting density depends a little on soil conditions and weather, but the usual thing is to plant between 90 and 180 kilos per hectare.
- Time of development. One of the differences between white wheat and durum wheat is that the growth cycle of white is shorter. It usually ripens in spring or early summer, so it is ready to harvest within 90 to 150 days of sowing.
- Care. This type of wheat requires moderate irrigation and responds very well to nitrogen fertilizers. In addition, the weeds around it must be controlled so that they do not have to compete for the nutrients in the soil, and it is important to supervise that there are no pests affecting the plant.
- Harvest. white wheat is ready to harvest when the spikes have a golden or brown color, and the grains are ripe. This work is done with harvesting machines that are responsible for cutting the ears and separating the grain from the chaff.
- Conservation of grain. White wheat is stored in silos or dry barns where it is protected from moisture and pests. It can be stored for several months before processing or sale.
Hard wheat
- Sowing time. In most regions this type of wheat is also planted in autumn. Although there are areas where you can plant during spring.
- Particularities of sowing. It is very similar to that of white wheat, both in density and the depth at which the seeds are sown.
- Time of development. Its development cycle is longer than that of the other wheat variety. It usually takes between 130 and 150 days to be ready for collection.
- Care. There are no big differences in this. To grow durum wheat successfully it is important to control irrigation, apply nitrogen fertilizers, keep weeds under control and ensure that the plant is free of pests and infections.
- Harvest. It is carried out when the spikes have a yellow or golden brown color and it can be seen that the grains are completely ripe.
- Conservation of grain. As in the previous case, it can be stored for several months in silos or warehouses free of humidity and well ventilated.
Differences between white wheat and durum wheat: what each one is suitable for
As these are varieties with different properties, the uses given to them also differ from each other.
white wheat
This is a relatively low protein wheat (between 9% and 14%) and with a high gluten content. This makes it suitable for:
Panaderia
It is one of the most used varieties in the production of bread and baked sweets such as cakes and cookies. Because the dough of this cereal acquires a soft and spongy texture which is ideal for this type of products.
Animal feeding
This wheat too It is frequently used in poultry and livestock feeding. Either in whole grain form or as the main ingredient in compound feed.
Hard wheat
Durum wheat has a higher protein content (between 12% and 16%) and its gluten content is also higher. With a more robust and earthy flavor than white or soft wheat. This makes it ideal for making:
Pasta
Thanks to its ability to maintain its shape even after the cooking process, it is one of the main ingredients of pasta.
Couscous
Durum wheat is also the main ingredient in couscous. In this case, the wheat is ground into a coarse semolina which is then steamed. Giving rise to a traditional dish from the region of North Africa and the Middle East.
Specialized baking
Although its use in baking is not common, it can also be used to make certain special breads such as semolina bread, which It has a characteristic flavor and a firmer texture.
The differences between white wheat and durum wheat may be difficult to see at first glance, but we can perfectly notice the change from one wheat to another when we consume products made with these cereals.