Cereals are recognised as an important food source of folate, and germinated cereals are reported to
contain even more folate. This study examined the effects of germination and oven-drying on folate
content in different wheat and rye cultivars. The native folate content in four wheat cultivars ranged from
23 to 33 mg/100 g dry matter (DM) and that in six rye cultivars from 31 to 39 mg/100 g DM. Mean folate
content in rye was 25% higher than in wheat. Germination of both cereals resulted in a 4- to 6-fold
increase in folate content, depending on cultivar and duration of germination. The highest folate
content in both cereals was found after 96 h of germination and was 181 mg/100 g DM for cv. Kaskelott
(rye) and 155 mg/100 g DM for cv. Kosack (wheat). Germination increased the amount of 5-CH3eH4folate
in both cereals from 45 to 75%. Oven-drying of germinated wheat grains (for 48 and 72 h) at 50 C did not
affect the folate content. In conclusion, germination increases the folate content in wheat and rye
cultivars, while subsequent oven-drying does not affect the folate content. Germination can therefore be
recommended for producing bakery ingredients with increased folate content.