Organic Rye Grain Seeds for Grass, Bulk Storage, and Bread.

Winter Rye as a Garden Plant

Winter rye is aptly named as it is well-suited to the cold, it can even survive in the snow! Planting winter rye is a wonderful way to restore your soil as it fixes nitrogen into stripped soil. Winter rye also prevents erosion, thanks to its extensive root structure. After it has been planted to improve soil, this winter rye can be harvested and consumed as a cereal grain.

Winter rye can survive in a range of soil pH"s but does best in between 5.0 - 7.0. Plant winter rye in your garden right around the first frost, it needs to be seeded thickly and covered lightly with soil, and then watered. Consider planting 2 lbs for every 1,000 square feet.

Popular Uses

Rye is a member of the wheat family and is closely related to barley. This Organic rye is hulled and is great for grinding into whole-rye flour for baking rye bread. Rye berries can be boiled and then eaten whole, much like oats. It can be used in a number of different alcohols, like beer, whiskey, and vodka. Winter rye is a great candidate for long-term food storage and has a high germination rate. Winter rye can be sprouted and grown into ornamental rye grass and can also be used as animal feed.

• Bread making and baking
• Brewing
• Breakfast foods
• Sprouting
• Animal feed

History

Because winter rye is much more cold tolerant than other grains, it was used in places like Russia, northern Germany, and Poland for bread making. Wheat bread was viewed as the best kind of bread fit for the wealthy, while rye bread was not as palatable or desirable. Some think that winter rye originated in southern Europe, whereas some believe that it was first found in the present-day Middle East. Either way, winter rye made its way to North America when it was brought over by Dutch and English settlers.

Health Benefits

Consuming winter rye is beneficial for balancing blood sugar, thanks to the presence of fiber and beta-glucans. Additionally, the soluble fiber present in winter rye is an effective way to lower blood cholesterol levels which supports heart health! Winter rye also contains phosphorus, manganese, and vitamins B6 and B12.