Spelt in Nederland, een 'vergeten' graansoort?

Abstract

Summary

In the Netherlands spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) is currently marketed as a ’forgotten’ cereal. This article presents the latest views on the origin of spelt and continues with the (pre-)history of this cereal in the Netherlands. The earliest occurrence dates to the Late Bronze Age (1100-800 calBC). The cereal gained importance during the pre-Roman Iron Age, but only in the eastern and southern parts of the country (fig. 3A). Its heyday was during the Roman Period, when it appears almost bound to Roman presence along and south of the limes (fig. 3B). During the Early Middle Ages spelt lost importance, but the cereal did not disappear until the late 19th century. In historical times it was mainly used for brewing beer. The straw was sought after for making hats. The conclusion is that the designation as ‘forgotten cereal’ is of recent date.