The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat farro. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What farro etiquette is

Farro etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat farro. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve farro to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat farro at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

What you should know about farro

Farro is a type of ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the wheat family and is also known as emmer wheat.

Farro is a small, oblong grain with a brownish color and a slightly chewy texture. It has a nutty and earthy flavor and is often described as having a sweet and slightly nutty taste.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat farro

1) How to store farro

It is best to store farro in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, ideally at around 60-70°F (15-21°C). You can store it in the pantry for up to 6 months, in the fridge for up to 1 year, and in the freezer for up to 2 years.

Store cooked farro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

2) How to clean farro

To clean farro, simply rinse it under cold water and drain it. There are no major risks associated with cleaning farro.

You can tell if farro has turned bad if it has a rancid or sour smell, or if it has mold on it.

3) How to prepare & cook farro

Farro should be cooked before eating. You can prepare it by boiling it in water or stock. Use a pot and a strainer to cook farro. Farro can also be eaten raw, but it is not recommended as it may be difficult to digest.

Farro is often used in soups, stews, salads, and risotto. It can also be used as a substitute for rice or pasta in many dishes.

Farro is great in salads and sandwiches. You can also use it in smoothies and granola bars. It is suitable for vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

4) How to serve & present farro

Farro is suitable for any occasion, including formal and informal meals, breakfast, brunch, and snacks. You can serve it as a side dish, main course, appetizer, or dessert.

You can serve farro warm or cold. Present it in a bowl or plate. Use a spoon or fork as serving utensils.

5) Food and wine to pair farro with

Farro pairs well with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, as well as with vegetables like roasted tomatoes, kale, roasted beets, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also season it with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.

Farro pairs well with a variety of fruits, including apples and pears. It is best to avoid pairing farro with overly sweet or acidic fruits and vegetables.

Farro goes well with cheese and dairy, such as goat cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan. It is best to avoid pairing farro with strongly flavored cheeses.

Farro pairs well with meats such as chicken, pork, and lamb. It also goes well with fish, such as salmon and cod. It is best to avoid pairing farro with strongly flavored fish, such as mackerel.

Farro pairs well with red wines such as Chianti and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as with white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with Rosé wine, sparkling wine, beer, and spirits.

6) How to eat farro

Eat farro with a fork or spoon. It is not polite to eat it with your fingers. The whole farro is edible. There are no parts that you need to discard.

Farro etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common farro etiquette mistakes:

• 7/10. Serving farro cold when it should be hot.
• 6/10. Overcooking or undercooking farro.
• 6/10. Using the wrong utensils to eat farro.
• 4/10. Not properly seasoning farro.

Additional information for properly serving farro

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

Farro contains approximately 170-200 calories per serving (1/4 to 1/2 cup) and 340-360 calories per 100 grams. A single farro grain contains only a few calories.

How to buy the best farro

A crucial factor in farro etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Farro is available all year round. The best season to buy farro is in the fall after the harvest.

Choose the best

Farro is available in commerce in several forms, including dried, semi-pearled, or pearled farro. Dried farro is the most common form and is available in most supermarkets or health food stores.

The most popular varieties of farro in commerce are emmer, einkorn, and spelt. Emmer farro is the most prized variety.

When buying farro, look for whole grains that are uniform in size and shape. Avoid grains that are broken or discolored. You can also look for farro that is organic, non-GMO, and locally grown.

Alternatives to farro

The most common alternatives to farro include quinoa, barley, bulgur, wheat berries, and couscous.

Resources

• 5 Benefits of Farro, A Healthy and Nutritious Ancient Grain: healthline.com