Is Khorasan the Same as Kamut? What You Need to Know

If you have been shopping for ancient grains, you have probably seen two names appear again and again: Khorasan and Kamut.

So, are they the same thing? The short answer is that Khorasan is the name of the wheat type, while KAMUT® is a registered brand name associated with Khorasan wheat.

That distinction matters when you are reading recipes, comparing products or trying to decide which grain to buy.

What Is Khorasan Wheat?

Khorasan is an ancient wheat variety. Idaho Ancient Grains grows Khorasan on its family farm in Idaho and sells it as whole wheat berries as well as white all-purpose flour.

The whole kernels are large, golden-colored wheat berries that can be cooked as a grain or milled into flour for baking.

Khorasan can be used in breads, baguettes, pasta, pancakes, waffles, cakes, pastries and sourdough, which makes it a versatile grain for a home kitchen.

What Is Kamut®?

KAMUT® is a registered trademark used for a particular commercial form of Khorasan wheat.

This means that the words are related, but they are not simply interchangeable labels for every Khorasan product.

A useful way to think about it is:

Khorasan = the type of wheat.

KAMUT® = a registered brand name associated with Khorasan wheat.

So when someone searches for Khorasan wheat and someone else searches for Kamut®, they are often looking for the same general type of ancient wheat, but the product may come from different sources and follow different branding or production standards.

Why Does Idaho Ancient Grains Say “Similar to Kamut®”?

Idaho Ancient Grains labels its Khorasan wheat as “similar to Kamut® Grain.”

The reason is that the farm sells its own Idaho-grown Khorasan rather than selling a product under the KAMUT® brand.

The important point for shoppers is that you should look at the actual grain, its source and the way it is grown rather than assuming that every product labeled Khorasan carries the KAMUT® brand.

Is Khorasan a Different Grain From Kamut®?

Khorasan and KAMUT® should not be treated as two completely unrelated grains.

KAMUT® is a trademarked brand, while Khorasan describes the wheat itself.

There can be differences between individual Khorasan products based on variety, farming practices, milling and processing, so the label and source still matter.

Can You Use Khorasan in a Recipe That Calls for Kamut®?

In many recipes, Khorasan can be used as an alternative to a recipe calling for Kamut® because both refer to Khorasan wheat products.

However, flour can vary from one source to another, so you should still pay attention to the dough or batter rather than assuming that every flour will behave identically.

Idaho Ancient Grains recommends using about 25% less Khorasan flour when substituting it into its favorite recipes, because Khorasan can absorb water differently.

Can You Bake Bread With Khorasan?

Yes. Khorasan works well in bread and can even be used by itself for bread and baguettes.

Idaho Ancient Grains also likes blending Khorasan with Spelt and hard white wheat. According to the farm, this combination produces a bread it particularly enjoys.

Blending grains can be a useful way to experiment with flavor and texture while learning how each flour behaves.

Can You Use Khorasan for Sourdough?

Yes. Khorasan can be used to feed a sourdough starter and to make sourdough bread.

Idaho Ancient Grains also has a dedicated sourdough resource that teaches bakers how to work with Khorasan and Spelt, including starter feeding, ratios and ancient-grain sourdough techniques.

If you are new to Khorasan sourdough, start with a tested recipe and make small changes rather than changing several variables at the same time.

What Does Khorasan Taste Like?

Khorasan is known for its distinctive golden appearance and rich grain character.

When baked, it can contribute a warm, buttery and slightly sweet grain flavor. Fresh-milled flour can also have a particularly noticeable aroma and flavor.

The final taste will depend on the grain, milling, recipe and baking method.

Is Khorasan Gluten-Free?

No. Khorasan is wheat and it contains gluten.

This is an important distinction when comparing Khorasan with genuinely gluten-free grains. Anyone who needs to avoid gluten for medical reasons should not treat Khorasan as a gluten-free substitute.

Sourdough fermentation does not make Khorasan a gluten-free grain.

Khorasan vs. Kamut®: Quick Comparison

Khorasan is the name of the wheat type.

KAMUT® is a registered trademark.

Idaho Ancient Grains grows and sells its own Khorasan wheat.

Khorasan can be sold as whole berries or milled into flour.

Both Khorasan and KAMUT® products are associated with ancient wheat, but the exact product and source still matter.

Khorasan contains gluten.

Which One Should You Buy?

That depends on what matters most to you.

If you specifically want a product sold under the KAMUT® brand, look for that trademark on the package.

If you are looking for Khorasan wheat grown by an Idaho family farm, Idaho Ancient Grains offers its own Khorasan whole berries and Khorasan white all-purpose flour.

For many home bakers, the more useful question is not simply which name is on the package, but how fresh the grain is, where it comes from and how you plan to use it.

What Can You Make With Khorasan?

Once you understand the Khorasan and Kamut® distinction, the fun part is using the grain.

Idaho Ancient Grains already has recipes covering many different applications.

Bread

Pizza crust

Pancakes

Waffles

Cinnamon rolls

Sourdough

Pasta and noodles

Cakes and pastries

Whole-grain dishes

This makes Khorasan a practical grain to keep in the kitchen rather than something that is limited to one type of recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kamut® just another name for Khorasan?

KAMUT® is a registered brand name associated with Khorasan wheat. Khorasan is the name of the wheat type itself.

Can I buy Khorasan instead of Kamut®?

Yes, depending on the recipe and your preference. Khorasan products from different sources may differ, so follow the instructions for the specific flour or grain you purchase.

Is Idaho Ancient Grains Khorasan the same as Kamut®?

Idaho Ancient Grains sells its own Idaho-grown Khorasan and describes it as similar to Kamut® grain. It is not presented as a KAMUT® branded product.

Can I substitute Khorasan flour for Kamut® flour?

In many recipes you can, but make adjustments based on the flour. Idaho Ancient Grains recommends starting with about 25% less Khorasan flour when substituting into a favorite recipe.

Is Khorasan good for baking?

Yes. Idaho Ancient Grains uses Khorasan for bread, baguettes, pancakes, waffles, pastries, cakes, pizza and sourdough.

The Bottom Line

Khorasan and Kamut® are closely connected terms, but they are not simply two names for two separate grains.

Khorasan is the wheat type. KAMUT® is a registered brand name associated with Khorasan wheat.

If you are shopping for Khorasan, look beyond the name on the front of the bag. Consider the source, the form of the grain, how you plan to use it and the instructions provided by the producer.

And if you are ready to start baking, Khorasan gives you plenty of options—from a simple pancake recipe to a loaf of sourdough.