I used to purchase staples like farro from my local supermarket. But my supermarket only carried…read morepackages in small amounts--1 lb bags at most, and most of those options were pearled, and they were a bit pricey for such a small amount.
I figured, if I went to the source to get a supply of farro, it might be more cost effective, last longer, and it might have more variety while retaining a greater amount of nutrition.
Bluebird Grain Farm checks all these boxes. They are located in Winthrop, WA, and do both wholesale and retail. Surprisingly, my local supermarket, located more than 2100 miles from Bluebird, has also started to display 1 lb sized bags from Bluebird.
But I don't buy those. I go direct to Bluebird, and nab multiple 5 lb bags, where they are shipped to my door in a nifty cardboard box with an oval sticker that contains their logo. Which means instead of going through a pound of farro and buying more every week, I can get four 5 lb bags that'll last 4-5 months. Fewer trips to the grocery store. They have flat rate shipping, so it's advantageous to buy a bit in bulk.
Of course, I order their whole grain Einkorn Berries. But they also grow Emmer Farro, Pasayten White Wheat, Methow Red Wheat, Sonora Heritage White Wheat, Heritage Rye, and more. They also present their grains in several ways: (1) whole, (2) mixed, (3) slightly cracked, (4) pulverized into flour, and (5) blended flours. They also come in various sizes to suit your needs: (a) 1 lbs or 2 lbs, (b) 4 lbs or 5 lbs, and (c) 25 lbs.
At least their 5 lbs bags come nicely packaged for storage. It's durable plastic packing with their logo, which adds a pleasant look to the inside of the fridge. Nutritional info and a recipe also adorn the outer walls.
Flavor-wise, their einkorn berries are wonderful, tasty, and beautiful to look at. Close to the bottom of the bag you'll find more crumbs, and overall, very minimal amounts of foreign material; usually if there is something that's not a berry included, it'll be a small piece of fibrous thing related to the hull. Those are easy to recognize and pick out.
I like to cook it using some chicken stock and spices. It cooks well, doesn't expand drastically like rice or beans, and it's easy to eat. Cheers!