Beyond bread: The surprising ways Ontario wheat supports everyday life

(NC) Whether it’s on the plate at home or in a restaurant, Ontario wheat plays a larger role in most people’s daily lives than many expect.

For example, manufacturers use wheat products in a range of items, including adhesives, modelling compounds, cardboard and other reusable packaging. It also supports soil health and sustainability: having wheat in the ground during winter helps prevent erosion.

Ontario farmers grow many wheat varieties

“Ontario wheat is tailored to perform consistently in a wide range of uses,” said Jeff Harrison, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario, a commodity organization representing 28,000 members across the province. “Different varieties are always adapting to new conditions and markets”

• Hard red winter and spring wheats. High-protein, high-gluten, used for hearty flour, hard rolls, yeast breads, flatbreads and tortillas.
• Soft red winter wheat. Low-protein, used for light, tender foods like cookies, crackers and cereals.
• Soft white winter wheat. The most widely grown Ontario wheat. Low-protein, finely textured; used for delicate goods such as cakes and pastries.

Here’s a fall-season treat you can make using Ontario wheat:

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

Prep time: 15- 20 minutes

Cook time: 18 – 22 minutes

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients

Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups (350 ml) whole wheat flour
• ½ cup (115 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (115 ml) brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 ml) unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (115 ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups (350 ml) peeled, diced apples

Streusel topping:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold butter (small cubes)

Directions

Streusel:

1. In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

Muffins:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper or lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and milk.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined (don’t overmix). Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Find more recipes with local ingredients at goodineverygrain.ca.