In the world of nutritious ancient grains, Farro stands out as a versatile and delicious staple with roots tracing back to ancient Rome. This nutty, chewy grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it a favorite among health-conscious cooks and fans of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're making a hearty salad, a comforting soup, or a risotto-style dish, the quality of your farro makes all the difference. This guide will help you navigate the top brands and products available, ensuring you bring the best of this ancient grain to your table.
What is Farro and Why Choose It?
Farro, specifically Italian Farro, is an ancient wheat grain known for its robust texture and nutritional profile. It's a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet, celebrated for being heart-healthy and rich in fiber. For a deep dive into its history and varieties, check out our comprehensive resource, What is Farro? A Complete Guide to This Ancient Grain. When shopping, you'll primarily encounter two types: whole farro, which retains the entire bran and takes longer to cook, and pearled farro, which has the bran partially removed for a quicker, more convenient preparation.
Top Farro Brands for Your Pantry
Building a healthy pantry starts with selecting high-quality staples. Here are some of the best farro brands that deliver on taste, texture, and ethical production.
1. Bob's Red Mill: The Trusted Standard
A leader in whole grains, Bob's Red Mill Organic Farro Grain is a fantastic choice for purists. This product is certified organic, Non-GMO, vegan, and kosher, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Sold in a convenient pack of four 24-ounce bags, it's perfect for families or anyone who uses farro regularly. Its consistent quality makes it ideal for all your farro recipes.
2. Roland Foods: Authentic Italian Import
For an authentic taste of Italy, Roland Foods offers excellent pearled farro options. Their Pearled Italian Farro comes in a large 47.9-ounce bag, perfect for bulk cooking or meal prep. If you need a smaller quantity, their 17.6-ounce package is a great pantry staple. Pearled farro cooks faster and has a slightly softer texture, which is wonderful for soups and salads.
3. 365 by Whole Foods Market: Everyday Organic Quality
If you're looking for a reliable, organic option for everyday meals, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Italian Farro is a winner. This 8.8-ounce package is a great size for trying out the grain or for smaller households. It embodies the commitment to organic foods that the brand is known for.
4. Specialty and Seasoned Options
For those seeking convenience and gourmet flavor, seasoned farro products are a game-changer. Alessi Autentico Premium Seasoned Roman Grain Farro is a standout. Infused with porcini mushroom flavor, it "cooks like risotto" and offers an easy-to-prepare, restaurant-quality meal in minutes. It's a brilliant example of a risotto-style farro that elevates simple healthy cooking.
Another excellent bulk option is the Organic Farro Grain, Pearled, 3.3 lb bag. This product of Italy is non-GMO and sold in bulk, ideal for serious home cooks or those following a specific diet plan.
How to Use Farro in Your Kitchen
The beauty of farro lies in its versatility. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor hold up well in a variety of dishes. Use it as a base for grain bowls, mix it into soups for added heartiness, or create a stunning farro salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette. For more inspiration and detailed cooking tips, our blog Farro: The Ancient Grain Superfood is an invaluable resource. It covers everything from the basic cooking ratio (typically 1 part farro to 2.5 parts water or broth) to creative recipe ideas.
Buying Tips and Final Thoughts
When selecting farro, consider your cooking style. Choose pearled farro for quicker weeknight meals (it cooks in about 15-20 minutes). If you prioritize maximum nutrition and don't mind a longer cook time (40-50 minutes), opt for whole grain farro. Always look for certifications that matter to you, such as Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, or Kosher.
Incorporating farro into your diet is a simple step toward healthy eating. With so many high-quality brands like Cucina & Amore, Nature's Earthly Choice, and Yupik also offering great products (as seen in our provided list), you can easily find a farro that fits your taste and needs. Start by trying one of the recommended products above, and explore the delicious possibilities of this timeless Roman grain.