What is frosted wheat?

Frosted wheat refers to wheat that has been damaged by heavy frost. This effect occurs only in the northern states and Canada principally in areas growing spring wheat. Growers frequently minimize frost risk by delayed panting and using longer-season varieties which delays flowering beyond the most significant frost risk periods.

The extent of the damage caused by heavy frost is dependent on the maturity of the kernels. If the grain is nearly ripened (stiff dough stage), the damage from freezing is slight.

Heavy frost occurring when wheat is still immature in the field will cause blistering of the bran and often discoloration of the kernel.

When the entire seed coat is badly affected produces of a flour of poor dough quality and is unsatisfactory for the production of good bread. The ash content of the flour also is likely to be abnormally high.
What is frosted wheat?