Celebrate with “Vermatzah”

Matzah has been used for centuries to celebrate Passover and the start of spring. Now it can be used to celebrate local wheat and heritage grains, too.

Naga Bakehouse’s “Vermatzah” is made with a blend of organic Vermont wheat and organic emmer from western New York. Emmer is an ancient grain; in fact, the original matzah was made with it. “It has a distinct, rich, nutty flavor,” says Doug Freilich, who helps run the family owned Naga Bakehouse in Middletown Springs with Julie Sperling. “It’s also a great way to showcase some of our heirloom grains.”

Freilich and Sperling grow their own grains on two of their eight acres. They also work closely with the Heritage Wheat Conservancy to trial heirloom varieties and bake with them.

Vermatzah will be available from early March through the first week of April at co-ops and natural food stores statewide. It can also be ordered at www.vermatzah.com.

Photo courtesy of Naga Bakehouse.