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What is Rye?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Rye is a hardy grain crop that has been under cultivation by humans for over 4,000 years. While not as popular as wheat, it is widely grown throughout the world, especially in areas where wheat has difficulty growing. The distinctive flavor of this grain makes it a frequent additive to breads, although pure rye bread is rarely made in the modern era. Of that grown around the world, approximately one third is used for human consumption.

This grain is far more tolerant to poor growing conditions than wheat, and it grows in soil of low quality where other grains will not. In addition, rye is able to withstand prolonged submersion in water as well as drought. For these reasons, it is frequently planted in areas where erosion control is vital or in fields to provide forage food to livestock and other animals. Rye is far less susceptible to diseases than wheat and other grains, although it is subject to infestation with the ergot fungus, which renders it unusable to humans and animals alike.

Rye is widely grown throughout the world, especially in areas where wheat is difficult to grow.
Rye is widely grown throughout the world, especially in areas where wheat is difficult to grow.

Rye resembles wheat and many other grains, growing as a grass crop and producing kernels. These kernels, however, are smaller and much darker than wheat kernels, and the yield of flour per acre of rye is much lower than that of wheat. The kernels are harvested and threshed and can be ground into flour. The grain is marginally more difficult to harvest and thresh than some other grains, although conventional combine harvest equipment can be used with it.

Some varieties of rye grass can be used in pastures.
Some varieties of rye grass can be used in pastures.

Flour made from rye is frequently used to flavor traditional breads, particularly those from Eastern Europe and Russia. Although originally, these breads would likely have been 100% rye, they are now blended with wheat flour. Rye has a very strong flavor, which some people find offensive to the taste. Pumpernickel and other dark breads commonly integrate rye flour.

Rye may be used in the production of alcohol.
Rye may be used in the production of alcohol.

Ergot, the fungus that infests rye, has been around as long as the grain has been under cultivation. Especially in areas with impoverished soil, ergot infestation can be devastating, because it might render the entire grain crop unusable, posing a severe nutritional threat. Ergot is so common that many thought it was part of the plant until the 19th century, when the fungus was uniquely identified and began to be more completely understood. In a mild form, ergot poisoning can result in a hallucinogenic experience — in a severe form, it can cause death and permanent disability.

Rye is grown and harvested in a schedule similar to that of wheat, with most being sown in the late fall and harvested in the summer. The crop must be harvested as soon as it is ripe, because otherwise shattering will occur, spreading the valuable kernels on the ground. The plant is used in a variety of applications besides baking, including the production of alcohol, although it primarily appears as a cover crop to prevent soil exposure and subsequent erosion.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon344762

As a grain, Rye shows a 27 percent minimum daily requirement for magnesium. What happens to the magnesium content when that same grain is converted to rye whiskey? In other words, is drinking rye whiskey good for your health?

anon288811

What are the benefits of rye over wheat and other grains? (The susceptibility to growing fungus and its consequences sound too severe).

What are its nutritional and digestive benefits?

Given that wheat has been genetically modified for about the last 50 years, I am looking for an organic, natural grain alternative. Is rye genetically modified at all?

anon271690

I cannot eat rye, milk, chocolate or bread. I think this website has helped me. but I can barely eat anything. What could I eat?

anon145609

I am amazed! There is so much information about rye in this website, but no picture of it. Knowing what the plant looks like is very important and should be the first piece of information presented to visitors.

anon86259

I planted winter rye. I have a proud little stand. I watered it but most of the moisture came from winter rains and snow. Now, when do I harvest the rye? When do I tell the rye seeds are ripe? If I do not harvest in time will the grain fall off the stalk? thanks.

anon85824

i think rye is called bajara in hindi and in gujarati it is bajra, not bhajaree.

anon78678

The word in gujurati for rye is bhajaree, not sure what it's called in Hindi.

anon22775

Hi,

I tried to inquire about Rye at local shops in Bangalore (India) but people don't know this name. Could you tell me by what other names it is known as?

Could you give a picture of Rye grain ? Btw, I needed it for the purpose of making sprouting and eating raw; is it recommended?

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    • Rye is widely grown throughout the world, especially in areas where wheat is difficult to grow.
      By: Johan Larson
      Rye is widely grown throughout the world, especially in areas where wheat is difficult to grow.
    • Some varieties of rye grass can be used in pastures.
      By: Kseniya Abramova
      Some varieties of rye grass can be used in pastures.
    • Rye may be used in the production of alcohol.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Rye may be used in the production of alcohol.