Lesson Description & Goals

Whole grains are the building blocks of a healthy diet. Not only are they full of vitamins and nutrients, there is plenty of research to support the fact that whole grains help to prevent disease, control weight and aid in digestion.

Many people seem to be at a loss when it comes to adding whole grains to their cooking. Grains are often perceived as being too difficult to cook or that they just take too much time to cook. And, after they are cooked, what does one do with them anyways?

In this lesson, you will learn about the anatomy of whole grains. You will be exposed to some common types of grains and learn how to buy grains and how to store both cooked and uncooked grains. You will also learn how to prepare grains for cooking and how to cook grains using the four main cooking methods. Finally, you will learn how to prepare grains in advance and easy ways to incorporate grains into your diet throughout the week. After this lesson, you will have no more excuses for not eating your grains!

• Define what a whole grain is
• Identify the anatomy of a whole grain
• Identify common types of grains
• Buy grains and know how to store both uncooked and cooked grains
• Clean, soak and toast grains
• Cook grains using the boiling, steaming, pilaf or risotto method
• Prepare grains in advance
• Incorporate grains into a variety of meals

Lesson Topic Videos

• Introduction to Whole Grains (1:05)
• The Anatomy of Whole Grains (2:34)
• How to Buy & Store Grains (0:48)
• Preparing to Cook Grains (1:53)
• Cooking Methods for Grains (4:03)
• Preparing Grains in Advance (1:52)
• Easy Ways to Add Grains to Your Diet (3:02)

Lesson Prerequisites

IMPORTANT NOTE:
We wanted you to be aware that there are one or more identified prerequisites to this lesson. Whether you choose to purchase a prerequisite lesson or lessons is up to you, but this lesson will likely include references to prerequisite lessons.

• Rice Basics
• Cooking Rice | Steaming & Boiling Methods
• Cooking Rice | Pilaf Method
• The Risotto Method

All Lessons in the Rice & Grains Section

• Rice Basics
• Cooking Rice | Steaming & Boiling Methods
• Cooking Rice | Pilaf Method
• The Risotto Method
• How to Vary Risotto
• How to Cook Grains
• How to Make Polenta