Rye came into cultivation later than wheat, barley and oats and was not known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. It was the main grain used for bread-making in Northern Europe and Russia for many centuries. This is partly because it grows well in colder, harsher climates and partly because it was preferred by some people.

In Australia and the US, rye is typically used to feed cattle whereas rye bread is popular in Northern and Eastern Europe and in parts of Russia. Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden eat a variety of bread and crisp-breads made from rye flour, although wheat products are becoming more popular.

Rye contains less gluten than wheat flour, and this makes rye bread significantly denser. This bread has a slightly sour taste when compared to wheat bread. Flour made from rye is often combined with wheat flour to make a lighter style of rye bread. Bread made wholly from rye flour is made in Germany and called pumpernickel.

Rye is unique among grains for having a high level of fiber in its endosperm – not just in its bran. As such, the glycemic index of rye products is generally lower than products made from wheat and most other grains.

Nutrition credentials of wholegrain rye:

√  High in carbohydrate (mainly starch), with a lower GI than most other grains.

√  Relatively high protein content (around 15%), with a higher lysine content than most other cereals.

√  Contains a protein complex which forms gluten.

√  Low in fat (most of which is unsaturated).

√  High in potassium and low in sodium.

√  Excellent source of dietary fibre.

√  Rye has more soluble fibre than wheat, however, less is known about the effect of dietary fibre found in rye.

√  Contains B-group vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate and pantothenic acid.

√  Contains vitamin E.

√  Contains iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium (depending on the soil content of selenium).

√  Contains small amounts of copper, manganese and calcium.

√  Contains phytochemicals including lignans, phenolic acids, phytic acid, plant sterols and saponins.

Main culinary uses of rye:

• Rye flour – Dark rye flour is made from the wholegrain and light rye flour from partially debranned grain and has a stronger flavour than wheat. Light, medium and dark rye flours are used to make bread, biscuits like gingerbread, pancakes and Scandinavian rye crispbreads. Rye flour is also used as a filler for sauces and soups.

• Rye bread – Most rye flour is used to make bread, which is normally blended with wheat flour. Although rye contains gluten, it is much weaker than wheat gluten. Traditionally, rye breads are made using a sourdough process giving it a distinctive flavour.

• Pumpernickel – A dense 100% dark rye bread originating from Germany which is steamed in the oven for many hours, resulting in a bread with a strong flavour.

• Rolled rye flakes and rye grits – Crispy rye flakes have a blue-green colour and may be cooked as a porridge or toasted and added to breakfast cereals. Rye grits are also added to breakfast cereals. Rye flakes are also used as a topping or binder for savoury dishes (e.g. hamburgers) or in stuffings.

• Alcoholic beverages – Rye is used for distilling alcohols such as gin, whisky and beer.

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