1.
wheat bran; outer layer of wheat grain
The outer fibrous coating of wheat grain that is separated from the flour during milling. Used in animal feed, as a dietary supplement for fiber, and in some baked goods.
Writing
Usually written in kana. The kanji is 麩 (also 麬): the same character as 麩 (fu), the wheat-gluten food used in soups and hot pots, read differently. Bran and fu are different things, though both come from wheat.
Similar words
- 糠: rice bran — the outer layer of rice removed during milling, used for pickling (ぬかづけ)
- 小麦粉: wheat flour — the white interior of the wheat grain after bran is removed
Watch out
ふすま is also the word for 襖, a paper-covered sliding door; context makes clear which is meant.