what is bran

Bran is the hard outer layer of whole cereal grains such as oats, wheat, rice, and corn. It consists of the pericarp, the seed coat, and the aleurone layer. Bran is particularly rich in dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and dietary minerals. It is also a source of phytic acid, an antinutrient that prevents nutrient absorption. The slightly sweet, slightly nutty flavor of bran is generally associated with whole grains, and it adds a pleasantly hearty texture to baked goods such as muffins, breads, and cookies. Bran can be added to the diet by sprinkling a tablespoon onto cereal, adding it to a smoothie or yogurt, or using it to thicken soups, stews, or casseroles. It can also be used to replace some of the refined flour in recipes for heartier baked goods that dont rely on a fine crumb, such as cookies, bars, muffins, and breads. Bran is often used to enrich breads and breakfast cereals, especially for the benefit of those wishing to increase their intake of dietary fiber. Rice bran, in particular, finds many uses in Japan, where it is used for pickling (nukazuke) as in the tsukemono of Japan. Cooks can buy isolated bran in bulk in many places, and it usually comes as a sort of rough powder that is easy to add to baked goods, smoothies, or soups.