Cream of Wheat

Cream of Wheat is a brand of farina, a type of breakfast porridge made from ground wheat. It was first manufactured in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1893 and quickly became a staple in American cuisine. The product is known for its smooth texture and is often enriched with vitamins and minerals, serving as a common hot cereal.

History

The product was created in 1893 at a flour mill in Grand Forks by millers Tom Amidon, Emery Mapes, and George Bull. Seeking a use for wheat middlings, they developed a finely ground wheat product that cooked quickly into a smooth porridge. The B&O Railroad played a key role in its initial distribution. By 1897, production had moved to Minneapolis, and the brand was acquired by the National Biscuit Company (later Nabisco) in 1961. Ownership later transferred to Kraft Foods and subsequently to B&G Foods, which acquired the brand in 2007. Its early advertising, featuring the iconic Rastus character, has been the subject of significant sociological analysis regarding racial stereotypes in American advertising.

Ingredients and preparation

The primary ingredient is wheat farina, which is the purified endosperm of the wheat kernel, ground to a fine consistency. Basic preparation involves boiling the farina in water or milk, often with a pinch of salt, while stirring to prevent lumps. It is typically served hot and can be flavored with additions like sugar, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, or fresh fruit. The instant varieties are pre-cooked and dried for quicker preparation, requiring only the addition of hot liquid. The manufacturing process involves enrichment with niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid to enhance its nutritional profile.

Nutritional information

A standard serving provides a significant source of carbohydrates and is typically fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly noted for its high iron content, a result of the mandated enrichment process established by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is naturally low in fat and sodium, though prepared versions with added sugar or butter alter this profile. Its glycemic index is relatively high due to the refined grain, which has implications for blood sugar management. Nutritional comparisons are often made with other hot cereals like oatmeal and grits.

Cultural significance

The brand holds a notable place in 20th century American culture, particularly through its historic advertising campaigns. The aforementioned Rastus imagery, used for much of the 20th century, is now widely criticized as a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and is studied in contexts like African American studies and marketing history. Conversely, the product has been a comfort food for generations, featured in literature and film as a symbol of simple, nourishing home cooking. It has also been used in therapeutic diets, such as the BRAT diet, for individuals with digestive ailments. Collectors seek vintage advertising memorabilia related to the brand, including porcelain jars and print advertisements.

Varieties and related products

The brand has expanded from its original formulation to include several product lines. These include instant "Quick" and "Instant" versions, which have varying cook times, and mixes that incorporate flavors like apple cinnamon and maple brown sugar. A related whole grain product, Cream of Wheat Whole Grain, offers more dietary fiber. The brand also produces a similar product made from rice, known as Cream of Rice, often marketed for those with gluten intolerance. In the broader market, it competes with other hot wheat cereals like Malt-O-Meal and general farina products, as well as other breakfast staples like Quaker Oats company offerings.