Uvelka — Polba (Spelt) in Cook-in Bags (Полба)

An ancient Russian grain — nutty, chewy, higher in protein than ordinary wheat, and easier to cook than it sounds.

RUSSIA   ·   UVELKA   ·   5 × 80 g

What it is

Polba — known to most of the world as spelt — is an ancient hulled species of wheat, cultivated across the Caucasus and the Middle East for at least seven thousand years before modern soft wheat displaced it. Whole, chewy grain with a warm nutty flavour, more interesting than rice, less stodgy than barley, and a respectable 15 g of protein per 100 g.

For Russians, the cultural reference is Pushkin: in the Tale of the Priest and his Servant Balda, Balda's wages are "three flicks to the priest's forehead… and a bowl of boiled polba." Recently rediscovered as a "heritage grain" by the wider world, packed by Uvelka in five food-grade boil-in-bag pouches for fuss-free portions.

How to cook

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — at least 1 litre per bag. Drop in 1 or 2 bags and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, until the grain is tender but still has a pleasant chew. Lift each bag out by the paper tab, snip the corner with scissors, and tip the cooked polba into a bowl. Serve as a porridge with butter; warm with mushrooms, onion and thyme as a savoury side; or cool, dress with olive oil, lemon and herbs, and toss with feta and pomegranate for a grain salad.

Composition

100% polba (spelt — ancient hulled wheat). Single ingredient, nothing added.

Per manufacturer (Uvelka, ООО «Ресурс»). Cooking bags are food-safe and discarded after use.

Nutrition (per 100 g, dry)

Manufacturer values — actual figures on the pack are definitive.

Allergens & storage

Contains: cereals containing gluten — wheat. Spelt is an ancient species of wheat and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet, even though some people find it gentler than modern soft wheat.

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the box sealed once opened. Shelf life approximately 18 months from the date on the pack.

Net weight: 5 × 80 g = 400 g  ·  Packed by: Uvelka (ООО «Ресурс»), Russia

An old grain that takes its time — and pays you back in flavour.