Winter rye berries Grown and packaged on our family farm in “The Wheat State”!

Chisholm Trail Farms: The Premier Source for Fresh, High-Quality Kansas rye and other grains!

At Chisholm Trail Farms, we are a family-owned and operated farm in the heart of Kansas, “The Wheat State.” With a rich history of growing wheat dating back to before Kansas became a state, we are excited to continue this tradition of growing wheat and other crops using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Our rye berries are grown on our own land or family land, near the historic Chisholm Trail and Santa Fe Trail. 

Our goal is to provide you with a high-quality, healthy product, and that’s why we package our own rye for sale. Each bag of our rye is carefully harvested and packaged with the utmost care to ensure consistent, top-quality grains. We grind and use our own grains for baking breads and other foods, and we are enthused to offer the same quality to you!

Choose Chisholm Trail Farms for the freshest, highest-quality Kansas grains, grown with care by our family. Order today and start creating wholesome, delicious meals for your loved ones.

Rye Berries are the whole, unprocessed kernels of rye (a type of cereal grain, Secale cereale), much like wheat or barley. They have a slightly chewy texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. Rye berries are harvested from the rye plant and are typically darker than wheat berries, ranging in color from light brown to a deep reddish-brown.

Before they are processed into flour, rye berries can be used in their whole form in various culinary applications. They’re often boiled, steamed, or even added to soups and salads. Rye berries are sometimes sprouted for use in baking or as an ingredient in bread.

Nutritional Benefits of Rye Berries

Rye berries are packed with nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits:

1. High in Fiber: Rye berries are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and aids in weight management. Fiber also helps maintain a healthy heart by lowering cholesterol.

2. Rich in Minerals:

   • Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.

   • Iron: Essential for the production of hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen in the blood.

   • Zinc: Plays a vital role in immune function and protein synthesis.

   • Phosphorus: Important for healthy bones, teeth, and energy production.

3. Vitamins:

   • B-vitamins (especially B1, B3, B5, and B6): Support metabolism and brain function.

   • Vitamin E: Acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

4. Plant Compounds: Rye berries contain antioxidants, such as lignans, which have been shown to support heart health and may have cancer-fighting properties.

5. Low Glycemic Index: Rye berries have a lower glycemic index compared to other grains, meaning they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels, making them a good option for people managing diabetes or blood sugar imbalances.

Baking Benefits of Rye Berries

1. Unique Flavor: Rye flour, made by grinding rye berries, imparts a distinct flavor—earthy, slightly sour, and hearty. This flavor is ideal for a range of baked goods, especially breads like rye bread, pumpernickel, and sourdough.

2. Moisture Retention: Rye flour helps baked goods retain moisture, which can improve the texture of bread and other baked items. This can result in softer, denser loaves with longer shelf life.

3. Gluten Content: Rye contains gluten, but it’s different from wheat gluten. Rye gluten doesn’t form as strong of a network as wheat gluten, which is why rye-based breads tend to be denser and have a crumbly texture. Bakers may combine rye flour with wheat flour to achieve a good balance between texture and rise.

4. Fermentation: Rye’s high enzyme activity makes it an excellent choice for fermentation. When used in sourdough bread-making, it helps create a rich, tangy flavor as the natural lactic acid bacteria ferment the dough. Rye breads often have a longer fermentation time, which contributes to their complex flavors.

5. Nutrition in Baking: Rye flour adds more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to baked goods compared to refined white flour. It’s a healthier alternative, especially when used in bread, crackers, or pastries.

6. Improved Structure and Rise: When combined with wheat flour, rye flour can help improve the overall structure and rise of the dough while still retaining its distinct flavor and texture. This is why rye is often used in combination with other flours in multi-grain loaves or mixes.

Culinary Uses Beyond Baking

• Salads: Rye berries can be cooked and added to salads for a hearty, chewy texture.

• Soups & Stews: Adding rye berries to soups or stews provides a nutritious, filling element.

• Grain Bowls: Rye berries can be used as the base for grain bowls, paired with vegetables, proteins, and a flavorful dressing.

In summary, rye berries are a nutritious, versatile grain that adds flavor, texture, and health benefits to both baking and cooking. Whether used in their whole form or ground into flour, rye berries contribute a wholesome, earthy flavor and rich nutritional profile to a variety of dishes.

Thanks for your business!