Wheat Germ Meal Vs. Wheat Germ

Wheat consists of several key parts: the kernel, sometimes referred to as the "wheatberry"; the endosperm, which comprises the majority of wheatberry weight and is used to make white flour; the bran, which is included in whole wheat flour; and the germ, which is only about 2.5 percent of the wheatberry weight.

Wheat Germ

• Wheat germ is the portion of the wheatberry that will sprout and produce a wheat plant. The wheat germ contains roughly 10 percent fat, which reduces its shelf-life. As a result, when purchased, many people store wheat germ in the refrigerator.

Wheat Germ Meal

• Wheat germ meal contains wheatgerm as well as some bran and bits of other parts of the wheatberry. Like basic wheat germ, wheat germ meal has a relatively unstable shelf-life and can go rancid if not stored properly, such as in a refrigerator.

Uses

• Wheat germ is commonly added to baked goods for flavor and nutrition purposes. Wheat germ may also be added to hot cereals such as oatmeal, and is found in a defatted form in cream of wheat cereal. Wheat germ meal is a common ingredient in fish food pellets, such as those fed to Koi (carp) or to goldfish.