Wheat

Hebrew: חִטָּה, chitah
Family: Poaceae (grasses)
Scientific name: Triticum sp

Wheat is an annual herbaceous plant that requires cold to develop properly. There are thousands of wheat cultivars adapted to different needs. Its growing period is several months. In Israel, it is sown in the fall and harvested in the spring and early summer; there are other countries where it is sown in the spring and harvested in the fall. The wheat stem is called a stalk, and the inflorescence is called an ear, which consists of many spikelets that contain seeds. The seeds are covered with various husks called glumes and chaff, which are removed during threshing. Some wheat varieties have chaff that adheres to the grain and requires peeling before grinding.

Wheat grains consist of three main parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm (storage tissue). The white flour we consume primarily contains the endosperm, while whole wheat flour also contains parts of the bran and germ. Subin and mursan (coarse and fine bran, both mentioned in rabbinic sources as part of the wheat husks.

Wheat has been one of the most significant plants in human nutrition since the beginning of plant domestication and the development of agriculture. According to many, wheat domestication began in our region, from where it spread worldwide. Wheat is frequently mentioned in the Torah as one of the seven species with which the Land of Israel was blessed, and it is the first plant mentioned in this verse. Wheat was the main source for the Minchah, the meal offering in the Temple. In the Mishnah and the Talmud, wheat is prominent; the Sages distinguish between different wheat varieties, their various uses, and their differences from other species.

Challah (separating dough when baking bread): One of the Five Grains, wheat requires the separation of challah from its dough. The stage that requires separating challah from wheat dough is called gilgul, rolling, since it kneads easily once water is added to flour. In contrast, barley flour dough, which does not form easily, is called timtum. The difference between the doughs is likely due to the difference in gluten proteins.

Chadash (new grain prohibition): Wheat is one of the grains that may be consumed from the new harvest, which took root following the bringing of the omer offering in Nissan of the previous year, in all of its forms: bread, roasted wheat (kali), and kernels. New, forbidden wheat, can be found primarily in countries where wheat is sown in the spring and harvested in the fall, but not in Israel.

Bikkurim (first fruits): The mitzvah of bringing first fruits applies to the Seven Species, one being wheat.

Matanot aniyim (gifts for the poor): Since it is possible to store dried wheat grains, and the entire field ripens at a uniform pace, one should leave lekket, shichechah, and pe’ah when harvesting.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting mixed species – annuals & grapevines): Wheat is one of the Five Grains and thus may not be planted near other annuals or grapevines. The distance necessary depends on several factors.