Short answer: soak ½ cup of rye berries for 6 to 12 hours, then rinse and drain twice a day in a jar. Use the sprouts in 2 to 3 days, when tails are about as long as the grain. For rye grass, sow soaked rye thickly on soil and cut at 8 to 10 days.
What are rye sprouts?
Rye (Secale cereale) is a hardy grain used in dark breads. Sprouted rye berries are chewy and nutty, with a stronger flavour than wheat. Sprouting.com gives rye 2 to 3 days as sprouts and 8 to 10 days as grass.1
How to sprout rye
- Day0
Soak
Rinse ½ cup of rye and soak it for 6 to 12 hours.
- Day0–2
Rinse and drain
Drain into a jar. Rinse and drain twice a day.
- Day2–3
Use
Use when tails are short. For baking, use them as soon as tails appear.
How to grow rye grass
Sow 250 to 300 g of soaked rye in one layer on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil. Cover for 2 days, then give light. Cut at 8 to 10 days when the grass is 5 to 7 inches tall. Use it like wheatgrass: juiced or blended. It also makes good cat grass.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sour smell | Warm room, long soak | Rinse more often, keep cool |
| Mold on grass tray | Seed piled up | Sow one layer, add airflow |
Tips for sprouting rye
- Soak 6 to 12 hours in plenty of cool water.
- Rinse twice a day, three times in warm weather.
- Use short tails for baking, about day 2.
- Dry for flour. Spread sprouted rye thinly and dry it at a low temperature before grinding.
Rye vs wheat sprouts
| Rye | Wheat | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Earthy, nutty | Sweet, mild |
| Sprouts | 2–3 days | 1–3 days |
| Grass | 8–10 days | 8–10 days |
| Gluten | Yes | Yes |
Rye and wheat sprouts can be mixed in breads for a fuller flavour. Triticale is a cross of the two.
Rye grass for cats and chickens
Rye grass is easy to grow on a tray. Many people grow it as cat grass or fresh greens for backyard chickens. Cut it at 8 to 10 days.
Storing and using rye sprouts
Refrigerate rye sprouts and use within 2 to 3 days. Add them to rye or mixed-grain breads, toss them into salads after toasting, or dry and grind them. See sprouted bread and sprouted flour.
Safety
Rye contains gluten. As with all sprouts, the FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat them raw, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.23
Rye FAQ
How long does rye take to sprout?
About 2 to 3 days after a 6 to 12 hour soak. Use the sprouts when the tails are short, no longer than the grain.
Can you grow rye grass like wheatgrass?
Yes. Sow soaked rye on soil and cut the grass at 8 to 10 days. It tastes a little more earthy than wheatgrass.
Does sprouted rye contain gluten?
Yes. Rye contains gluten proteins, so sprouted rye isn't suitable for people with celiac disease.
What can I make with sprouted rye?
Dark rye and mixed-grain breads, sprouted rye flour, porridge and toasted grain salads.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
