bran

Bran is a term with several related meanings in food, geography, and culture. In food production, bran refers to the dry, protective outer layers of cereal grains such as wheat, oats, rice, and barley. It consists mainly of the pericarp and aleurone layer and is separated from flour during milling as a byproduct. Bran is rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, and is commonly used in breakfast cereals, breads, muffins, and other baked goods to add texture and nutrition. It can cause digestive changes if introduced rapidly in large amounts, and some people may prefer to soak or cook it to improve digestibility.

Rice bran is a specific type of bran derived from the outer layer of rice kernels. It is used to produce rice bran oil, an edible oil with a relatively high smoke point and mild flavor. Rice bran also contributes to animal feeds and various food products and can be processed for other byproducts from the milling industry.

Bran can also refer to a place. Bran is a commune in Brașov County, Romania, near Bran Castle, a medieval fortress often linked to the Dracula legend. The area is a popular tourist destination and serves as a gateway to the Carpathian Mountains, offering historic sites and natural scenery.

In onomastics and fiction, Bran appears as a given name or surname in various cultures. In popular culture, Bran Stark is a principal character in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, adapted for television as Game of Thrones. The name Bran is sometimes associated with Celtic roots, including references to mythological figures such as Bran the Blessed.