Some bloggers receive free trips to conferences. Some get free prototype products to test. Some get free clothes or shoes. And now — finally — I’ve been given my first freebie!
Wheat germ.
The fine folks at Kretschmer Wheat Germ sent a coupon for a free jar for me (already redeemed, thankyouverymuch) and one to give away (up to $5.99). Keep reading for contest rules.
Aren’t familiar with wheat germ?
The germ is the embryo of the wheat plant, but it goes rancid fairly quickly. So during the manufacturing process, the wheat germ is stripped away so the wheat can be kept in storage longer. Another example of commerce getting in the way of good nutrition.
Because the germ is meant to nourish the whole wheat plant, it has oodles of nutritional benefits. It’s got vitamin E, B vitamins, fiber, phytosterols (which lowers bad cholesterol and promotes heart health). Wheat germ also has those delightful Omega-3 fatty acids you keep hearing about, as well as tons of minerals — iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium and manganese.
Two tablespoons of wheat germ has 50 calories, 1g of fat, no sodium, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein. Pretty powerful stuff!
I sprinkle it on my oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies. I add it to baked goods and to the coating for my fish or chicken. It’s got a mild, nutty flavor. Here are some recipes.
Obviously, if you have wheat or gluten sensitivities you should stay away from wheat germ. And be sure to refrigerate it after opening.
Now that you know why you might want to add wheat germ to your diet, I’m going to give you the chance to win your own free jar!
I will give everyone until Monday, November 5, 2012 to write a poem to or about wheat germ. Haiku, limerick, ode, rhyming, free-verse — whatever you want. Then we’ll have another week of voting so you can get all your friends to show you how much they love you. The most votes wins.
I’ll get you started if you need help. “There once was a company called Kretschmer …”
If you’re more zen and less baudy, try a haiku:
The germ of the wheat
Violently stripped away
Returned to a jar
Okay, now you. Just put your poem in a comment on this post.
