Researchers Ramp Up Wheat Substitute

A wheatgrass commonly known as Kernza, which some researchers describe as a “distant cousin to wheat," has been bred by the University of Minnesota since 2011, but efforts around commercialization have ramped up this year, reportsMinnesota Daily.

Kernza is being used in a variety of commercial products such as cereal and beer.

Part of what makes the wheatgrass attractive is that it is environmentally friendly. It does not need to be replanted each year, and its roots can prevent soil runoff and nutrients from getting into and polluting water systems during the winter months.

Read the full reporthere.