Description
Marquis wheat, a remarkable Canadian variety, traces its roots back to Red Fife, the popular wheat that dominated Canada’s fields at the time. Developed in 1905 by scientist Charles Saunders, it was created by crossing two different wheat varieties, including Red Fife. Saunders’ goal was to produce a wheat variety that was more disease-resistant, had higher yields, and was better suited to Canada’s climate. Marquis wheat’s role in shaping the wheat industry in North America, especially in Canada, is significant. It was a pioneering variety that helped shape the modern wheat-growing landscape and remains a symbol of early 20th-century agricultural innovation.
As a hard red spring wheat, Marquis is known for its high protein content and excellent baking qualities, making it particularly ideal for bread baking. It’s especially well-suited for high-protein bread flour, where the high gluten content helps create a chewy, elastic dough that rises beautifully. This makes Marquis wheat perfect for making whole grain bread, sourdough, and artisan loaves. Freshly ground Marquis wheat flour works well in recipes requiring strong, sturdy structure, such as whole grain breads, pizza crusts, and bagels. Since it contains the entire wheat kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm—it provides a rich flavor and added nutrients like fiber and protein, making it a great option for whole wheat flour.
In addition to flour, you can use Marquis wheat kernels in their whole form. Cook them as a hot cereal, or porridge, similar to oatmeal. Simply boil the wheat with water or milk for a warm, nutritious start to your day. Alternatively, the kernels can be cracked in a mill for a quicker-cooking cereal.
If you’re not milling the wheat into flour, you can also cook whole wheat berries for other culinary uses. Boil them and use them as a hearty addition to salads, soups, or as a side dish. The chewy texture of the berries adds variety and substance to your meals.
Overall, Marquis wheat shines in recipes that require strong, high-protein flour—particularly for bread and whole grain products. Whether you mill it into flour,
cook the whole kernels, or experiment with it in various culinary applications, Marquis wheat offers a versatile and nutritious ingredient for your kitchen.