Einkorn (Triticum monococcum)

The name einkorn (“single seed” in German), is derived from the presence of a single grain in each spike or from the husk surrounding the grain. Einkorn, which was already cultivated about 12,000 years ago, is known as the ancestor of wheat, originating from the Fertile Crescent region. It is mostly produced in marginal areas and adapted to poor soil and it has regained importance regarding sustainable agriculture and its nutritional values. Einkorn (and emmer also) is considered to be more resistant to diseases than modern wheats. Certain accessions have been identified as resistance sources against fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, stem, yellow and leaf rusts, tan spot, Septoria blotch, bunts, and Fusarium. Einkorn is much less valued than spelt, although considered as a healthy cereal (Bencze et al., 2020).