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What Is Farro?

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Created February 14, 2025
A bowl of farro salad with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and nuts.
Wondering "What is Farro?" This beginner’s guide uncovers everything you need to know about this ancient, hearty grain that enhances any dish it graces. From its nutty flavor and chewy texture to its versatility in cooking, farro is the ingredient you didn’t know your pantry was missing. Dive into how to cook farro on the stove, discover the benefits of farro, and explore various ways it can elevate your culinary creations.

If you're looking to bring new life to your meals with an ingredient that’s both wholesome and versatile, farro might just be the answer. As one of the oldest cultivated grains, farro is a nutrient-dense kitchen staple that’s making a splash in modern cooking, perfect for soups, salads, side dishes, and more. Packed with flavor and loaded with health benefits, farro is a must-have for the home cook seeking to blend taste with nutrition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what farro is, how to cook it, and why it deserves a spot in your pantry and your plate.

An Introduction to Farro

Farro is an ancient grain with a rich history dating back thousands of years, originating in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Known as the “grandfather of grains,” it comes from specific species of wheat such as emmer, einkorn, or spelt. Farro is loved for its nutty flavor, chewy texture, and ability to absorb seasonings and stocks, making it a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. For quick details on other nutritious grains and legumes, along with delicious recipe ideas, be sure to check out our Legume and Grain Recipes.

With its distinct heartiness, farro stands apart from grains like quinoa or rice by retaining a textured bite even after being cooked. It’s ideal for meals where flavor and texture are key. Whether you’re assembling an earthy grain bowl, a fiber-packed salad, or a savory soup, farro promises to deliver on both taste and nutrition.

Types of Farro

When picking farro, you’ll encounter three main types. Each varies slightly in nutritional content and cooking times.

  • Whole Farro: The most nutrient-dense option, retaining its fibrous bran. This variety requires soaking overnight to reduce cooking time, which still takes an average of 30–40 minutes. Whole farro is perfect for those prioritizing fiber and nutrient absorption and when time is not the top concern.
  • Semi-Pearled Farro: Some bran is removed, shortening the cooking time to about 20–25 minutes. It still offers a wholesome option with slightly less fiber than whole farro and no soaking required.
  • Pearled Farro: The fastest and most convenient to cook, taking just 15–20 minutes. However, this type has less fiber because the bran is completely removed.

Each type of farro has its own strengths, so choose based on your time constraints and texture preferences. Regardless of the variety, you’ll enjoy the nutty flavor and chewiness of this wonderful grain.

How to Cook Farro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking farro is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked farro every time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup farro (pearled, semi-pearled, or whole)
  • 3 cups water or broth (opt for low-sodium broth for extra flavor without excess salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Farro: Start by rinsing your farro thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water. This removes dirt and naturally occurring residues.
  2. If Using Whole Farro, Let it Soak: It's recommended to let your full bran farro soak overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours.
  3. Bring Water or Broth to a Boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the farro, your choice of water or broth, and salt. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the farro simmer. Cooking times vary by type:
  • Pearled Farro: 15–20 minutes
  • Semi-Pearled Farro: 20–25 minutes
  • Whole Farro: 30–40 minutes (soaking overnight helps shorten cook time).

Regardless of the type, your Farro will be ready when tender but still slightly chewy. If any liquid remains, simply drain it through a colander.

Cool and Storing

Use cooked farro immediately in your recipe or spread it on a clean baking sheet to cool quickly for storage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Benefits of Farro

Farro is packed with nutrients which make it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. A cup of cooked farro contains 5–6 grams of fiber. Additionally, each cup contains around 6–8 grams of protein per cup and can be a great addition to plant-based diets. Farro offers iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting overall wellness in a balanced diet.

Ways to Use Farro in Your Cooking

Farro’s versatility makes it a creative ingredient for meals any time of day. Perfect for enhancing texture and making hearty soups or stews more filling. Toss cooled farro with chopped vegetables, herbs, and mozzarella for a satisfying Italian Farro Salad. For the perfect lunch or side dish try our 5 star Asparagus Farro Salad. We encourage you to use your imagination and use this grain however you see fit! Try farro as the base for a breakfast bowl, a fried topping on sweets, or anything you can imagine.

Farro is more than just a grain—it’s a bridge between ancient culinary traditions and modern eating habits. Its nutty flavor, chewy texture, and rich nutrition make it a welcome addition to kitchens everywhere, yours included. Whether you’re creating hearty soups, refreshing salads, or cozy risottos, farro brings versatility and wholesomeness to the table in a way that can elevate your cooking in many new ways. Give it a try!