Rye, Cereal rye

Secale cereale

Physical Characteristics

Secale cereale is a ANNUAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

W. Asia? Original habitat is obscure.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Oil Sweetener Seed - cooked[2, 13, 34, 46]. A common cereal, it is used especially in N. Europe to make bread[183]. The seed contains about 13% protein[61]. The grain also contains some gluten, though not as much as wheat, so it makes a heavier bread than wheat. It can also be used to make cakes etc. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads[183]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Malt, a sweet substance produced by germinating the seed, is extracted from the roasted germinated seed and used as a sweetening agent and in making beer etc[13]. The roasted (ungerminated) seed is used as a coffee substitute[46, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Laxative Poultice The seed is made into a poultice and applied to tumours[218]. The seed is also an effective laxative due to its fibrous seed coat[269].

Known Hazards

None known