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Ingredients

Rye

(Secale cereale L.)

Belongs to the grass family (Gramineae). Rye has low habitat requirements, it makes good use of the minerals contained in the ground, so it can be grown on all types of soil, even the poor ones. In addition, it is water-efficient and, as the only cereal species, it is resistant to low temperatures. It is mainly grown in Europe.

The chemical composition of rye grains depends on genetic factors (variety) and habitat factors (soil and climate conditions, the farming technique used). It contains components that are important for human nutrition: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins. Their content varies from one anatomical part of the grain to another.

Carbohydrates in terms of quantity (74%) represent the largest part of the grain weight, they are an important source of energy. Rye grains mainly contain complex carbohydrates, above all starch. Compounds that form the dietary fibre also belong to carbohydrates, their content is around 12%. Rye grains are distinguished by a particularly high pentosan content (approx. 7-8%). The cellulose content is about 2-2.5% and lignin 1-1.5%. Although these compounds are not digested by enzymes in the human digestive tract, they should be included in the daily diet because of their role in the prevention of many diseases, i.a., obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cholelithiasis, and colorectal tumors.

The protein content of the rye grain is 7 to 12% and the fat content is 1.8 to 2.2%. Similarly as in the case of other cereal grains, unsaturated acids are predominant in fat, including: linoleic, oleic, linolenic acids (they account for 80% of the total fatty acids). Out of saturated acids, palmitic acid can be found.

The mineral content of the rye grain is 2 to 2.5%. Of the macroelements , potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium have the largest share ( 4.2 g/kg, 3.0 g/kg, 0.9 g/kg and 0.4 g/kg, respectively). The content of trace elements (micronutrients) – iron, zinc and manganese – is as follows: 34 mg/kg, 39 mg/kg and 42 mg/kg

Rye grain contains group B vitamins and vitamin E. The content of thiamine (vitamin B1) is 0.36 mg/100 g, riboflavin (vitamin B2) 0.15 mg/100 g, niacin (vitamin PP) 1.00 mg/100 g, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) 0.27 mg/100 g, folic acid 42 μg/100 g. The vitamin E content , calculated as the tocopherol equivalent, is 1,17 mg/100 g.

Roasted rye in instant form is a component of popular cereal beverages.

Rye products are worth eating due to their content of:

  • carbohydrates: the starch which is an energy source and the dietary fibre required for the proper functioning of the digestive tract,
  • proteins, which are a building component of the body,
  • group B vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system,
  • vitamin E, because of its antioxidant effect,
  • minerals,, which are necessary for the proper conduct of biochemical processes in the body.

Information developed by employees of the SGGW Cereals Technology Plant.

Cereals crop

Żyto

Rye comes from the Middle East, but it is currently grown also in Central Europe and the north-eastern regions of the continent. It is present in winter and spring varieties . It is one of the most resistant cereals and is mainly characterised by high frost resistance. Rye flour can be used to produce rye, wholemeal, or sourdough bread. Rye is also a component of instant beverages – popular coffee substitutes.

The start of the harvest and its duration depend on the climatic and weather conditions, the region of the country, and the variety of cereals. Normally, in good weather, harvesting takes several days to two weeks. The winter barley is harvested at the earliest time – in the first ten days of July. The other varieties are harvested at the end of July or in August. The machines used for harvesting are combine harvesters, inside of which grain is threshed from the ears. It is then taken to a collection centre or stored on the farm. The grains brought to the collection centre are initially cleaned of dust and any other impurities. All cereals also undergo a moisture, dirt, and odour test before being placed in the warehouse .