Most people know that eating whole grains is a great way to get plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals into their diet. Wheat and oats are widely known, but they are not the only grains available to consumers. Trying new grains can be a fun way to add variety to your meals. Here are three grains you might not be familiar with.

Quinoa

Quinoa has made headlines for a while, but many people still haven’t tried it. If you’re interested in trying quinoa but aren’t sure how to use it, take heart. It’s pretty simple to cook and very versatile in a culinary sense. It works well in casseroles and salads and adds wonderful texture to soups. This ancient grain comes from South America but has been introduced worldwide thanks to grain transport companies. Quinoa is a great grain choice for vegetarians, as it is one of the few plants that provide complete proteins.

Popcorn

Of course, most people know about popcorn, but did you know that it’s a whole grain? This incredibly healthy snack is full of nutrients. A single serving of popcorn provides more than half of a person’s daily fiber needs. The healthiest ways to prepare popcorn are in oil on your stove or using an air-popper. Microwave popcorn often contains chemicals that are best avoided.

Barley

Hulled barley is a nutritious grain that is full of fiber and plenty of minerals, including zinc and copper. It is classically used in soups, such as beef and barley soup. The dense, chewy grain also makes a delicious addition to cold salads. If you’ve seen pearled barley at the store, be aware that it does not qualify as a whole grain. Its outer husk and bran have been removed and with them much of the nutritional value of the grain.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, look for a new variety of whole grain to try. You can increase the nutritional value of your meals and enjoy a more diverse diet.

Paul Petersen