Rye (Secale cereale)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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. — A common cereal, it is used especially in N.; Europe to make bread.; The seed contains about 13% protein.; The grain also contains some gluten, though not as much as wheat, so it makes a heavier bread than wheat.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)