HONORÉ HOURANI
Honoré Hourani is our principal agricultural product and a grain with quite a story to tell.
This ancient durum wheat has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years and is prized for its flavor, digestibility, and baking performance. This ancient heirloom grain was buried deep within the Masada Fortress in 73 CE to protect it from Roman siege. It was excavated from the ruins by archaeologists in the 1960s.
A small quantity of seed eventually made its way to us through a donation from Washington State University's Bread Lab, whose source was USDA seed bank material. Starting with just 300g of seeds, we propagated more than 100,000 pounds using regenerative organic practices and dry farming, without irrigation. Today, Honoré Farm and Mill is the only organization in the United States selling Hourani commercially.
We grew Hourani for three years before ever tasting it ourselves. Bakers now describe its flavor as reminiscent of buttered corn on a summer day, with a richness that enhances both the taste and nutritional value of baked goods.
Nutritionally, Hourani offers higher protein, the full spectrum of B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. It also has a glycemic index of 52, significantly lower than refined white flour and many commercial "whole wheat" products, which often have glycemic indices in the 70s.
The grain also tells a story of climate resilience. Its deep root system helps sequester carbon, while its ability to thrive without irrigation makes it well suited to a changing climate. By growing Hourani, we are helping increase the biodiversity of our staple food crops while demonstrating a more resilient approach to grain production.
SHARING THE STORY
In 2019, Honoré Farm and Mill received just 40g of Honoré Hourani seed. Through years of careful propagation, that small amount of seed has grown into the grain available today. Connecting the names Honoré Hourani and Honoré Farm and Mill helps ensure the story of the grain and the work behind it remains visible.
When referring to the grain, please use:
Honoré Hourani
When describing the variety:
Honoré Hourani, an ancient landrace wheat stewarded by Honoré Farm and Mil
When referring to its origin:
Honoré Hourani, propagated and stewarded by Honoré Farm and Mill
Example
"Students sampled crackers made with Honoré Hourani, an ancient landrace wheat stewarded by Honoré Farm and Mill."
Please Avoid
"Hourani"
Omitting Honoré Farm and Mill when discussing the grain's origin or stewardship
Describing the grain as a new variety developed by Honoré