The Rye

What is this? The rye is one year growing grass plant or winter crop which is about 60-200 cm height.  The stem is standing, in the upper part with the thick hair.    The grain is long, in the upper part it has a deep long line, the grain may be yellow or green.

Long way of Ray

Nowaday harvesting

History The rye came to Europe from Asia about 1800-1500 BC. The rye more widely spread in Lithuania in the stone age. Now rye is grown almost everywhere in the middle climate line.

The usage  The rye and its green mass is very important animal food, especially early in spring.  The straw is used for animal bedding.

Traditional Lithuanian decorations Sodai are made of rye straw too.

Rye products Various cookery products are made from rye flour. We bake rolls and brown bread, which is more useful than wheat bread.

From rye we also make kvass. Kvass may be various tastes

Rye Pharmacy Features Rye bread has a positive effect on health Rye flour is useful for heart function. The dressing from rye and ring bells is used as medicine for lung diseases. The rye also eases the cough.

In Lithuania the favourite bread is baked from rye flour.

Bread types

We made bread

Sourdough The sourdough is made of rye flour and a glass of warm water, well mixed. It’s covered and left to brew for 3 days. When the sourdough is ready, the bubbles form inside and it smells nicely.

An old Lithuanian tradition to greet guests with brown bread and salt

In the local family bakery…

In the windmill in Šiauliai

Ačiū Thank you