Interesting facts about semolina porridge. Semolina porridge (semolina), its benefits and harm History of semolina
What is it made of, how to choose it correctly and how to cook semolina porridge so that it turns out delicious? The whole truth and lies about semolina.
The porridge is not as scary as it is made out to be
Almost all people whose childhood was during the Soviet years are wary of this product. Suffice it to remember that the notorious semolina porridge was a mandatory dish in kindergartens, as well as on the menu of hospitals. It’s rare that a child hasn’t wondered what semolina is made from and why it’s so disgusting.
By the way, in tsarist times this cereal was expensive, and they did not feast on it very often. In addition, cereals can be the basis not only for dietary cereals. It is used to make cakes, puddings, soufflés, mousses, pancakes, casseroles, cutlets, dumplings, jelly, and is even used for soups as a filling.
What is semolina made of?
Our porridges are made from cereals, and semolina is no exception. From what grain? The most affordable is millet. We can say that this is very coarse millet flour. The diameter of the grains can be from 0.25 to 1.5 millimeters.
The quality of wheat selected for production is regulated by GOST semolina, number 7022-97, which was updated in January 2015.
Types of semolina
The semolina product is available in three types.
Brand “M” is an opaque white grain made from soft wheat varieties. Suitable for porridges, as it boils quickly and increases significantly in volume.
“T” brand cereal is made from durum wheat and consists of translucent grains with glassy and sharp edges. The color is closer to yellow. Such cereals increase in volume less, but the taste of porridge prepared from it is more intense. Suitable for baking, soufflés and adding to minced meat.
The “MT” brand is easy to recognize by its heterogeneous shape and color. It is made from a mixture of soft and durum wheat. White grains predominate, the mass of which is diluted with cream or yellowish particles.
How to choose good semolina
The package must be marked with GOST semolina, which standardizes the quality of all brands.
It is desirable that the packaging is transparent so that the cereal can be seen. It is clear that if you find pebbles or small insects, then you cannot buy such a product. But there are also less obvious signs of quality. In particular, the cereal should be free-flowing and not roll into lumps. Shake the bag to check.
You should not feel a crunch when chewing the cereal, but you will have to check this at home. The smell should not be musty.
It is advisable to store the product in a dry glass container.
How to cook semolina porridge
Thousands of people will confirm to you that semolina porridge is delicious. But for some reason, of all the cereals, Soviet children did not hold semolina in high esteem, from which we can conclude that preparing this dish is not as easy as it seems. Let's try to learn?
First you need to heat milk or water in a saucepan. You can mix milk with water. Add salt and sugar to taste. Pour semolina into the pan, preferably using a strainer, stirring vigorously.
You need to have time to pour in all the cereal before the porridge thickens, otherwise those same hated lumps will form. Some housewives advise adding cereal to a not very hot liquid to make it easier to deal with clots, but such porridge will have a stickier consistency and the taste will deteriorate.
It is recommended to use 6 tablespoons of cereal per 1 liter of liquid. But in general, everyone has their own ideal proportions - some like thick porridge, others thinner. Experiment. However, remember that the porridge cooks well. At the beginning of cooking it may seem too liquid, but then it acquires the desired consistency.
Cooking time - no more than 2 minutes. Sometimes half a minute is enough. Then add butter and let it sit for 5 minutes. If desired, you can add honey, sugar, jam, chocolate, pieces of fruit, nuts, etc.
The benefits of semolina
Semolina contains a lot of starch and vegetable protein. Contains vitamins B, E, PP. Microelements include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, fluorine, etc.
The porridge cooks very quickly, retaining maximum nutrients. Also, semolina is the only type of cereal that is digested in the lower intestine, so it is recommended for people who have undergone duodenal or gastric surgery.
When consumed in old age, it prevents the demineralization of blood cells.
In cosmetology, cereals are used to prepare masks.
Harm of semolina
Any product has disadvantages, including semolina. Today, doctors are of the opinion that children under one year of age should not be fed semolina, since it contains a strong allergen, which often causes diathesis. This is gluten - gluten, which is found in large quantities in semolina.
Phytin, an integral part of cereals, is “blamed” for reducing the absorption of calcium by the body. This is true, but other cereals also suffer from this, although to a lesser extent.
There is little fiber in porridge, as well as vitamins. It is also very high in calories.
Why is there so much fuss about semolina?
Whatever you say, semolina is mysterious. What grain it is made from is not the most interesting question. It is not clear why there is so much controversy around this simple product? In principle, all cereals are healthy, but it was semolina that was once presented as the most necessary and healthy.
There are many versions. For example, there is an assumption that during the years of shortage, one of the cheapest and most accessible products was semolina, which is where its “fame” arose in the USSR. Porridge really easily satisfied the feeling of hunger, and was prepared very quickly, and its “popularization” made it possible to feed the people with what was available without raising unnecessary questions.
On the other hand, criticism of this cereal began just at the time when expensive infant formula appeared. Doesn't this seem suspicious?
It's probably worth sticking to a neutral position. What is semolina made from? From ordinary millet. This is the same product as rice or, say, potatoes. No better and no worse. Any dish can be criticized. For example, is dried fruit compote so healthy? This is just water and dried and then boiled fruits, which are unlikely to retain vitamins after such “tests”. But for some reason no one makes any complaints about the compote.
Now that we know what semolina is, what it is made of and what it is eaten with, it’s time to get rid of childhood fears and begin to master the intricacies of preparing many delicious dishes from it.
Semolina is one of the most popular porridges and is especially often fed to children in kindergarten. But despite such a widespread dish, many do not know at all what semolina is made from. Let's look at this in more detail.
Are you still tormented by the question, what is semolina made from? Of course, from wheat! After collection, it goes through several stages of processing, before reaching the state in which we are accustomed to seeing the cereal under discussion.
Semolina is coarsely ground wheat flour.
- First of all, the selected grain is tested for gluten content using a special laboratory analysis.
- After inspection, the grains are sent to a workshop where a tempering process is carried out, which gives the grains density. They are immediately cleaned and washed.
- Next, you need to free the core from the layers covering it. This is done through coarse grinding.
- The resulting mass is sifted, crushed by machines and processed.
- At the last stage, the cereal is separated from the shell, polished and quality control is carried out.
A good, truly high-quality product should be snow-white. Of course, semolina can be either yellow or cream - the color depends on the type of grain.
Composition and calorie content
So, having figured out what kind of cereal semolina is made from, it’s time to find out its properties and composition. During the grinding process, the cereal loses a certain percentage of fat and fiber. By the way, the low fiber content makes porridge easier to digest, and in addition, starch relieves the stomach of mucus. Also, semolina retains many useful substances: zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins (E, PP, B).
Semolina contains a lot of magnesium and potassium. Nutrients:
- proteins – 10.5 grams;
- fats – 1 gram;
- and carbohydrates – 70 grams.
In addition to its rich composition, semolina is also generous in calories - 328 units per 100 grams of dry product. But after cooking, this number drops to just 100 calories per 100 grams. Nevertheless, you should not abuse such porridge. One small portion for breakfast is enough, and not every day.
The benefits of semolina for men and women
First of all, this porridge is ideal for those who have stomach problems. This is due to its low fiber content and easy digestibility.
Semolina porridge is a constipation of a healthy stomach and intestines. But besides this, eating semolina has other positive aspects:
- Cereals contain thiamine, which is not produced by our body, and therefore must be supplied with food;
- For healthy blood, a person needs folic acid, it can also be obtained by sometimes eating semolina;
- A large amount of iron in the cereal replenishes its deficiency in human blood.
As for the benefits of cereals for men, first of all, it is a simple and quick saturation of the body. That is, after having breakfast with this porridge, you don’t have to think about hunger until lunchtime. It is also recommended for those who are actively involved in sports and want to gain muscle mass, because it is high in calories and contains a sufficient amount of protein.
And semolina cooked with milk, and even with sugar, will be an excellent remedy against fatigue and nervous tension for men engaged in physical labor.
Semolina is recommended for women for weight loss, but of course the portions should be small. Some people believe that oatmeal will be more effective, but this is not so - it is much more difficult to digest, and this is especially true if you have digestive problems.
Regular consumption of porridge has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair due to many microelements. And, of course, some women actively use cereals for various cosmetic purposes.
Beneficial properties for children and pregnancy
It’s not for nothing that semolina is given to children in almost all kindergartens; this indicates its necessity and benefits for a growing body.
Semolina during pregnancy is the most optimal way to satisfy hunger. - A large number of vitamins and minerals have a beneficial effect. Calcium and silicon strengthen bones, and magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
- It is recommended to consume porridge in case of kidney failure.
- Used for depletion due to low amounts of fiber.
- Carbohydrates fill you up well and give you energy.
But sometimes it turns out that this is one of the few products that does not make a woman sick and therefore has to be included in the diet.
Use of semolina
Usually they eat semolina for breakfast, but there are several other areas where it can be used usefully.
For weight loss
A semolina diet for weight loss will allow you to lose extra pounds and improve your body's functioning. This porridge is perfect for weight loss for people with stomach problems and sludge in the body. It can also be used as the main component of a mono-diet (a diet where only one product is used). Semolina for breakfast several times a week will improve digestion, which will also have a positive effect on the speed of weight loss.
Face masks
Some semolina face masks can replace expensive creams.
The rejuvenating effect can only be compared with professional salon procedures. Its regular use for cosmetic purposes:
- will help tighten the skin;
- will get rid of acne and blemishes;
- removes dryness;
- will make the skin softer;
- protects against ultraviolet rays
- and will launch natural regeneration processes.
In cooking
If you think that semolina can only be boiled, then you are mistaken. It is used for making dough, casseroles and pancakes. And also as a breading for cutlets, meatballs and zraz. You can use it to make a very popular pie - manna, and it is also good to add to mousse, soufflé and puddings.
It would seem that what could be bad from ordinary porridge?
In addition to benefits, this product can also cause harm. But in fact, you should use this cereal with caution:
- phytin and glyodine, which are part of the cereal, can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the body;
- some people may have gluten intolerance, and semolina, of course, contains it;
- It is not advisable to give porridge to children under one year of age, since the cereal contains a lot of starch;
- Excessive consumption of the product can contribute to excess weight gain.
Like any other product, semolina has positive and negative properties. It is enough to observe the measure and then there will be no harm from its use. Against! There will only be benefits that you will definitely appreciate by including a plate of semolina in your weekly diet.
Semolina is made from wheat. Essentially, this is the same wheat cereal, characterized by higher purification and degree of grinding. During the milling process of wheat, about 2% of waste remains, slightly larger grains than the flour itself (grains). These grains are sifted out and sold as semolina. The size of semolina granules is 0.25 - 0.75 mm, which ensures a very high cooking speed.
Semolina comes in three brands:
From durum wheat (grade “T”),
- from soft wheat (brand “M”),
- from soft wheat with an admixture of hard wheat up to 20% (brand “MT”).
“M” brand semolina contains a minimal amount of fiber, proteins and is very rich in starch. Durum wheat semolina (brand "T") has a higher level of fiber and protein and a slightly lower amount of starch.
How is semolina useful and what are its disadvantages?
Semolina contains proteins, vitamin E, and vitamins C. B (1,2 and 6), minerals, starch (almost 70%), as well as potassium and vitamin E.
Semolina is suitable for patients with digestive disorders; thanks to its enveloping effect, it relieves spasms due to ulcers and gastritis. The same phytin is useful for older people. It prevents excessive mineralization of the body and promotes intestinal function. Semolina porridge with honey and dried fruits, cinnamon or vanilla is especially nutritious.
Cereals also contain glyodine, which interferes with the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients. Therefore, it is not recommended to give semolina porridge to children under one year of age. Semolina also contains a large amount of gluten, which can cause allergies.
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About semolina, which one to choose and how to store
Semolina, compared to other cereals, does not have a high content of valuable microelements and fiber useful for digestion. A distinctive feature of semolina is its high carbohydrate content, which makes it an excellent source of energy.
It is mainly used for making porridges, great for breakfasts due to its high carbohydrate content. Semolina is added to the dough when preparing baked goods, which helps the baked goods retain their shape after baking.
The undeniable advantages of semolina include the speed of its preparation. From the start of cooking until it's ready, it only takes a few minutes and the dish is ready!
Semolina is coarse wheat flour with a particle size of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.
Semolina is made from various varieties of wheat. Semolina variety can be determined by the markings on the packaging:
- "M"- semolina from soft varieties wheat.
- "T"- semolina from durum varieties wheat.
- "MT"-semolina from a mixture of hard (20%) and soft (80%) varieties wheat.
Semolina from “soft” varieties, appears to be white in color with opaque particles. When cooked, such semolina increases in volume several times due to good absorption of liquid. And porridge cooked from this type of semolina will be homogeneous, without lumps. Well suited for adding to mousses, culinary pastries, and of course for making porridges.
Semolina from “hard” varieties, appears yellowish in color with translucent particles. When cooked, the volume increases slightly. Suitable for adding to confectionery products that must retain their shape after cooking, such as dumplings, pancakes, bread.
Semolina grade "MT" most versatile. It is well suited both for preparing porridges and for adding to culinary products.
Semolina porridges are unique in that their digestion and absorption occurs in the lower intestine, unlike most other porridges. Due to the low fiber content, semolina porridge is recommended for people suffering from digestive disorders. Semolina does not cause “bloating” or excessive formation of gases, such as pea or oatmeal porridge. The absorption of semolina by the body occurs quickly and almost completely.
Semolina porridge is a source of easily digestible carbohydrates that are quickly and almost completely processed by the body. Suitable for most people, with the exception of people with gluten intolerance.
Harm of semolina
The main contraindication to the use of semolina is the high gluten content in its composition. In some people, gluten is not absorbed by the body and can cause allergic reactions.
Composition of semolina, per 100 gr. dry product
| % of daily value in 100 g | ||
| Calorie content | 333 kcal | 19.8% |
| Squirrels | 10.3 g | 13.6% |
| Fats | 1 g | 1.7% |
| Carbohydrates | 70.6 g | 33.5% |
| Dietary fiber | 3.6 g | 18% |
| Water | 14 g | 0.6% |
| Ash | 0.5 g | |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin B1, thiamine | 0.14 mg | 9.3% |
| Vitamin B2, riboflavin | 0.04 mg | 2.2% |
| Vitamin B6, pyridoxine | 0.17 mg | 8.5% |
| Vitamin B9, folates | 23 mcg | 5.8% |
| Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, TE | 1.5 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin RR, NE | 3 mg | 15% |
| Niacin | 1.2 mg | |
| Macronutrients | ||
| Potassium, K | 130 mg | 5.2% |
| Calcium, Ca | 20 mg | 2% |
| Silicon, Si | 6 mg | 20% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18 mg | 4.5% |
| Sodium, Na | 3 mg | 0.2% |
| Sera, S | 75 mg | 7.5% |
| Phosphorus, Ph | 85 mg | 10.6% |
| Chlorine, Cl | 21 mg | 0.9% |
| Microelements | ||
| Aluminium, Al | 570 mcg | |
| Bor, B | 63 mcg | |
| Vanadium, V | 103 mcg | |
| Iron, Fe | 1 mg | 5.6% |
| Cobalt, Co | 25 mcg | 250% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.44 mg | 22% |
| Copper, Cu | 70 mcg | 7% |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 11.3 mcg | 16.1% |
| Nickel, Ni | 11.5 mcg | |
| Tin, Sn | 3.2 mcg | |
| Titanium, Ti | 8.9 mcg | |
| Fluorine, F | 20 mcg | 0.5% |
| Chromium, Cr | 1 mcg | 2% |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.59 mg | 4.9% |
| Digestible carbohydrates | ||
| Starch and dextrins | 68.5 g | |
| Mono- and disaccharides (sugars) | 1.6 g | |
| Essential amino acids | ||
| Arginine* | 0.47 g | |
| Valin | 0.49 g | |
| Histidine* | 0.21 g | |
| Isoleucine | 0.45 g | |
| Leucine | 0.81 g | |
| Lysine | 0.26 g | |
| Methionine | 0.16 g | |
| Methionine + Cysteine | 0.38 g | |
| Threonine | 0.32 g | |
| Tryptophan | 0.11 g | |
| Phenylalanine | 0.54 g | |
| Phenylalanine+Tyrosine | 0.81 g | |
| Nonessential amino acids | ||
| Alanin | 0.34 g | |
| Aspartic acid | 0.38 g | |
| Glycine | 0.37 g | |
| Glutamic acid | 3.2 g | |
| Proline | 1.04 g | |
| Serin | 0.53 g | |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g | |
| Cysteine | 0.22 g | |
| Saturated fatty acids | ||
| Saturated fatty acids | 0.2 g | |
Calorie content of semolina in various household containers:
- 250 ml glass = 200 g (666 kcal)
- 200 ml glass = 160 g (532.8 kcal)
- Tablespoon = 25 g (83.3 kcal)
- Teaspoon = 8 g (26.6 kcal)
Entire generations of children, one might say, grew up on classic semolina porridge. Despite this, the question: “what is semolina made from?” Not everyone can answer.
It turns out that semolina, or semolina, is a coarse grain made from wheat, the average particle diameter is from 0.25 to 0.75 mm.
Semolina is most often made from durum wheat.
Semolina is a by-product in the production of wheat flour, when after grinding about 2% of small fragments of grain remain.
Semolina contains 70 percent starch, a lot of proteins, vitamins and minerals, and since it cooks quickly, they are all preserved.
Semolina is digested in the lower intestine and then absorbed into the blood. That is why liquid semolina porridges are included in diets for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Semolina cleanses the body and removes fat.
Semolina porridge is very often prepared for children, which is not entirely correct, since the child’s stomach cannot yet digest the starch contained in semolina in large quantities. Phytin contained in semolina is able to bind calcium, which comes with other foods, thus depriving the child’s body of building material for bones.
Often children who constantly eat semolina porridge develop rickets or seizures. For adults and older people, the disadvantages of semolina devoid of fiber turn into its advantages: semolina porridge does not irritate the stomach and prevents colon cancer.
Semolina is the only grain that is digested in the lower intestine and only there is it absorbed into its walls.
Semolina is a good means of treating and preventing intestinal diseases; it cleanses the body of mucus and removes fat.
Semolina contains everything that wheat flour contains: starch, vitamins E and B1, B2, B6, PP, iron.
There are three types of semolina on sale: the letter “M” on the packaging indicates semolina made from soft varieties of wheat, the letter “T” indicates semolina made from hard varieties, and the letters “MT” indicate semolina containing at least 20% of grains from durum varieties. wheat. Very often this information is not indicated on the packaging.
An interesting fact - semolina in Rus' was produced in small quantities and ended up on the tables of only aristocrats; the common people did not know semolina. In the USSR, semolina porridge became an everyday, generally available product. One of the types of semolina porridge - the famous Guryev porridge was invented at the beginning of the 19th century. The name of this porridge comes from Count Dmitry Guryev, a member of the State Council and Minister of Finance, and it was invented by Zakhar Kuzmin, a serf cook. Guryev bought out Kuzmin and his family and made him his cook. There is another version, according to which Guryev himself invented the porridge recipe.