August Grains of the Month – Rye and Triticale

There are two grains for the month of August: rye and triticale.  Triticale is a durum wheat-rye hybrid, and has the largest seeds of the three grains. This man-made crop was created in Scotland and Germany in the late 19^th century. 

Rye is a cereal grain grown most commonly in Eastern and Northern Europe and in Russia. Germany is the world’s largest producer. Rye is the grain most tolerant of poor soil which is full of clay, sand or peat. It endures cold weather, making it an ideal crop in those regions. Winter rye is planted and starts to grow in autumn, survives under snow cover, and grows rapidly in the spring, making it an excellent fodder crop for grazing animals.  Edible rye can take many forms. In the Americas, rye is known mainly as a dark bread or an alcoholic beverage. 

Pumpernickel rye bread is especially popular in northern Europe. Scandinavian crispbread is made from rye flour. 

In addition to use as a flour, rye “berries” can be cooked whole and used in casseroles, pilafs, and salads. The rye grains can also be milled into flakes and grits. In the diet, rye is a good source of fiber, B vitamins (niacin and thiamine) and minerals (manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc). Its soluble fiber helps lower blood cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Like wheat, rye contains gluten, so eating it is not recommended for people with celiac disease. Rye is closely genetically related to wheat.  An iconic red paint is made in Scandinavia by boiling rye flour with red iron oxide from the Falun copper mine in Sweden. This paint protects wooden structures from weathering and gives them the appearance of brick buildings owned by more affluent persons.