Crop Quality & End Uses
The hardest of all U.S. wheat classes, U.S. durum has a rich amber color and high gluten content. Hard Amber Durum (HAD) set the “gold standard” for premium pasta products, couscous and some Mediterranean breads. Durum has a high protein content of 12.0% to 15.0% (12% mb), yellow endosperm and white bran.
For the miller, durum is a large, very hard kernel with the potential for very high extraction of high quality, low ash semolina that is ideal for fine pasta. Desert Durum® is harvested and shipped at a very low moisture content, an advantage to millers that contributes to efficient transportation costs and high extraction rates.For consumers of pasta, couscous and Mediterranean breads, durum helps deliver excellent color and texture.
Where is U.S. durum grown?
Durum is the fifth largest class of wheat grown in the United States. Northern durum is grown primarily in the North Central region (North Dakota and Montana) and shipped via Gulf, Great Lakes and Pacific ports, while Desert Durum®, is grown primarily under contract in the desert Southwest (Arizona and California) and shipped via the Gulf or West Coast.
Durum
Download Reports
U.S. Durum Sample Collection and Analysis
NORTHERN DURUM
Official grade and non-grade factors were determined on 60% of samples. The remaining tests were conducted on 6 composite samples categorized by growing region for Northern Durum.
- Samples were collected in two states by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and state wheat commissions.
- Official grades were determined by Northern Plains Grain Inspection.
- Milling and wheat and flour quality testing and analysis were conducted by The Durum Quality Lab at North Dakota State University.
DESERT DURUM®
Official grade and non-grade factors are determined on every sample collected. Production weighted results are reported.
- Samples were collected by California Wheat Commission Laboratory and Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council.
- Official grades were determined by the USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Farwell Grain Inspection.
- Milling and wheat and flour quality testing and analysis were conducted by the California Wheat Commission Laboratory.
View Other Classes
Apr 30, 2024
Taiwan Bios
With just 6 weeks left in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, many buyers are locking in purchases for June and July shipment, shifting much of the…
Apr 30, 2024
Tokyo Bios
With just 6 weeks left in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, many buyers are locking in purchases for June and July shipment, shifting much of the…
Apr 30, 2024
Crop Quality Seminar Registration Form – Antwerp, Belgium
With just 6 weeks left in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, many buyers are locking in purchases for June and July shipment, shifting much of the…
