The 'germ' is the "heart" of the
cereal kernel, the
embryo of the
seed, and a concentrated source of several essential
nutrients including
Vitamin E,
folate (folic acid),
phosphorus,
thiamin,
zinc and
magnesium, as well as
essential fatty acids and
fatty alcohols. Along with
bran, germ is often a
by-product of the milling that produces refined grain products.
Wheat germ oil,
rice bran oil (germ), maize germ, and others may be used to extract
vegetable oil or directly as a food-making ingredient. The germ is retained as an integral part of
whole grains. During the making of white and so-called "whole wheat" bread, flour that has had the germ removed is used.