Q: What are wheat berries, and how are they used?

A: Wheat berries are the whole unprocessed kernels (seeds) of wheat. Because they include the wheat bran and germ, they’re very nutritious. They have a nutty flavor and firm, chewy texture.

Wheat berries can take up to 2 hours to cook, although that time can be shortened by soaking them first or preparing them in a pressure cooker. Cracked wheat, which cooks in less time, is wheat berries that have been coarsely milled. Quick-cooking bulgur is wheat berries that have been steamed, dried and milled.

Cooked wheat berries can be served as a hot breakfast cereal, added to soups or stuffing mixtures, or mixed with other grains, such as brown or wild rice, lentils, barley or quinoa, to make salads and side dishes. They pair well with nuts and dried fruits.