centeno

Centeno, or rye (Secale cereale), is a cereal grain cultivated for its seed and used in bread, baked goods, porridge and animal feed. It is a hardy crop native to the temperate regions of Eurasia and is well suited to cool climates and poorer soils, where it often yields better than wheat.

The plant is an annual grass that typically grows to about 0.9 to 1.3 meters tall. It has slender leaves and a spike-like inflorescence. The grain is small and elongated, with a composition that supports dough viscosity and flavor development in baking. Rye flour contains more pentosans and soluble fibers than wheat flour, affecting dough properties and texture.

Rye is grown as winter rye or spring rye. Winter rye is sown in autumn and harvested the following year, while spring rye is planted in spring and harvested later in the year. It is frequently used in crop rotations because it can improve soil structure, suppress some weeds, and tolerate cold spells. In agriculture, rye straw is valued for animal bedding and soil amendments.

Culinary uses include rye bread, crispbread and a variety of biscuits, crackers, and porridge. Rye flour is common in Northern and Eastern European baked goods, including traditional rye breads and dark loaves such as pumpernickel. It is also used in some types of whiskey and vodka production, and, in some regions, as animal feed.

Nutritionally, rye is high in dietary fiber and minerals and contains less gluten strength than wheat. It is not gluten-free, but many people with wheat sensitivity tolerate it better in small amounts. Ergot contamination is a historical concern in rye that modern harvesting and quality controls aim to minimize. Worldwide, rye production is smaller than that of wheat or barley, with major producers in parts of Europe and Russia.