What is the primary ingredient in matzah?

The primary ingredient in matzah is wheat. Matzah is a type of unleavened bread traditionally made during Passover in Jewish culture. The Torah specifies that matzah must be made from one of five types of grain: wheat, barley, oats, spelt, or rye, but wheat is the most commonly used grain for this purpose.

Wheat flour mixed with water, and then baked quickly without fermentation, creates the crisp, flat texture characteristic of matzah. The use of wheat aligns with historical practices and ensures that the matzah maintains its status as a staple in Jewish dietary traditions during significant religious observances.

While other grains like rye, oats, and spelt can be used to make matzah, they are less common and may not fulfill the requirements for certain ceremonial uses, especially during Passover, where the emphasis is on wheat-based matzah for many Jewish families.