farro

noun

far·​ro ˈfär-(ˌ)ō 

: the grain of an ancient wheat having glumes that tightly enclose the kernel

specifically : the grain of emmer, einkorn, or spelt that is cooked in liquid and used in various dishes (such as soups or salads)

We were making … farro, an ancient wheat variety that can be cooked risotto-style with broth, butter and Parmesan.

—Heidi Julavits

Soak 1 cup of farro overnight, then simmer with 3 cups water for 25-70 minutes …

—Gretchen Roberts

Farro, also called spelt, is available at health-food stores.

—Melissa Clark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The sea bass with farro is also popular with the executives on the lot. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 6 Apr. 2023

That might mean roast chicken or salmon, grilled vegetables, cooked butternut squash or grains such as farro or quinoa. —Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2023

Continue adding the water, a ladleful at a time, stirring regularly, until the farro is tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. —Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023

Like a two-pound bag of small, sweet strawberries picked last June that was tucked behind containers of farro and freekeh. —Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2023

Serve with cooked rice, orzo or farro, or over slices of toasted bread. —Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Jan. 2022

Cook farro and quinoa according to package directions. —Charlyne Mattox, Country Living, 29 Mar. 2021

Less common options, at least for Americans, are farro and sorghum. —Stacey Hugues, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023

Second course: Branzino, citrus beurre blanc, farro. —Marc Bona, cleveland, 2 May 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above