Ähre

Ähre is the German term for the ear of grain, the flowering axis that bears the grains in many cereal grasses such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats. It refers to the part of the plant that carries the developing kernels and is a key feature in cereal crops.

Morphology: In most cereals, the Ähre consists of a central rachis with spikelets arranged along it; each spikelet contains florets that develop into kernels. The ear is often protected by glumes, and its size, density, and shape vary by species and cultivar. The arrangement of spikelets and the orientation of the ear differ among wheat, barley, and other cereals.

Development and harvest: As cereals mature, the Ähre dries and turns from green to golden. Harvest typically occurs in late summer to autumn in temperate regions. After threshing, the kernels are separated from the chaff and prepared for milling, feed, or other uses.

Usage and terminology: The term is widely used in botany and agriculture and also appears in rural literature and agricultural discourse to evoke grain, harvest, and the seasonal cycle. It is related to broader terms such as Korn and Getreide, which refer to grains and cereal crops.

See also: Korn; Getreide; Getreidearten.