Short answer: soak ½ cup of triticale for 6 to 12 hours. Drain it into a jar, then rinse and drain twice a day. Use the sprouts in 2 to 3 days, when the tails are short. For grass, sow soaked triticale on soil and cut at 8 to 10 days. Triticale contains gluten.
What is triticale?
Triticale (× Triticosecale) is a cross between wheat and rye, bred to combine wheat's quality with rye's hardiness. Sprouted, it's plump and nutty. Sprouting.com gives it 2 to 3 days as sprouts and 8 to 10 days as grass.1
How to grow triticale sprouts
- Day0
Soak
Soak ½ cup of grain 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 the tails are short.
Tips for sprouting triticale
- Soak 6 to 12 hours in plenty of cool water.
- Rinse twice a day, three times in hot weather.
- Use short tails for the sweetest flavour and best texture.
- For grass, sow soaked grain in one layer on soil and give bright light after 2 days.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sour smell | Warm room, poor drainage | Rinse more often, drain fully |
| Mold on a grass tray | Seed piled up | Sow one layer, add airflow |
| Uneven sprouting | Old grain | Use fresh grain sold for sprouting |
Triticale vs wheat and rye
Triticale is a cross between wheat and rye. Its sprouts are plump like wheat with a nutty flavour closer to rye. All three sprout in about 2 to 3 days and grow into grass in 8 to 10. All contain gluten.
Triticale grass for pets and chickens
Triticale grass is easy to grow on a tray and is a popular fresh green for backyard chickens and as cat grass. Cut it at 8 to 10 days, when it's 4 to 6 inches tall. See sprouting seeds for chickens.
Using triticale sprouts in the kitchen
- Bread: add sprouted triticale or its flour to mixed-grain and rye-style loaves.
- Porridge: cook the sprouts with oats for a chewier breakfast.
- Salads: simmer until tender, then toss with roasted vegetables and a mustard dressing.
- Soups and stews: add in the last 15 to 20 minutes.
Like other grain sprouts, triticale is best lightly cooked or baked rather than eaten raw.
Storing and eating triticale sprouts
Refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 days. Add them to breads, porridge and salads after toasting or cooking. Triticale grass is also popular as fresh fodder for chickens. See sprouting seeds for chickens.
Safety
Triticale contains gluten. The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.23
Triticale FAQ
What is triticale?
A grain bred by crossing wheat and rye. It sprouts easily and tastes nutty.
How long does triticale take to sprout?
About 2 to 3 days after a 6 to 12 hour soak. As grass, it's ready in 8 to 10 days.
Does triticale contain gluten?
Yes. As a wheat and rye cross, it contains gluten.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
