How Green Was My Wheat

Farik or farikeh is wheat harvested when the stalks are still green and then toasted to dry it and remove the chaff. (In Arabic, the name refers to the stage of ripeness when the grain is just ready to have its husk removed.) Fresh farik may still contain enough moisture to spoil and should not be stored in an airtight container at first.

“The preparation of farik is still done by the farmers themselves,” says Clifford Wright. “There was an attempt recently by Jordanian farmers to mechanize the process, but without much success. The wheat is set afire to create a smoky flavor to the grains. This harvesting and processing method gives the finished wheat a delectable nutty taste.”

Apart from the special flavor and a chewier texture, it resembles bulgur. If you can’t get farik, substitute bulgur, but cook it only until reconstituted and drain it well.