Cereal 6700 225554972 2008-07-14T08:13:07Z Whitcomba 7203495 /* Global market */ {{redirect|Grain}} {{otheruses4|cereals in general|the breakfast food|Breakfast cereal}} [[Image:Various grains.jpg|thumb|250px|Oats, barley, and some products made from cereal]] '''Cereal''' [[agriculture|crops]] or '''Grains''' are mostly [[Poaceae|found]] cultivated for their edible brains or fruit[[seed]]s (i.e., botanically a type of [[fruit]] called a [[caryopsis]]). Cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more energy worldwide than any other type of crop; they are therefore [[staple food|staple crop]]s. They are also a rich source of [[carbohydrate]]. In some [[developing nation]]s, grain in the form of rice or corn constitutes practically the entire diet. In [[developed nations]], cereal consumption is both more moderate and varied but still substantial. The word 'cereal' derives from '[[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]]', the name of the pre-Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. Grains are traditionally called ''corn'' in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], though that word became specified for ''[[maize]]'' in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Australia]]. ==Production== The following table shows annual production of cereal grains, in 1961,<ref>1961 is the earliest year for which [[FAO]] statistics are available.</ref> 2005 and 2006, ranked by 2006 production.<ref name="prodstat">{{cite web | url=http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/DesktopDefault.aspx | title=ProdSTAT | work=FAOSTAT | accessdate=2006-12-26 }}</ref> All but [[buckwheat]] and [[quinoa]] are true grasses (these two are '''[[pseudocereal]]s'''). {| valign="top" | class="wikitable sortable" ! Grain <br>!! 2006 ([[Metric ton|t]]) <br>!! 2005 (t) <br>!! 1961 (t) <br> |- valign="top" | [[Maize]] | align="right" | 695,287,651 | align="right" | 712,877,757 | align="right" | 205,004,683 | A staple food of peoples in [[North America]], [[South America]], and [[Africa]] and of [[livestock]] worldwide; often called "corn" or "Indian corn" in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. |- valign="top" | [[Rice]]<ref>The weight given is for paddy rice</ref> | align="right" | 634,575,804 | align="right" | 631,508,532 | align="right" | 284,654,697 | The primary cereal of [[tropics|tropical]] regions |- valign="top" | [[Wheat]] | align="right" | 605,256,883 | align="right" | 628,697,531 | align="right" | 222,357,231 | The primary cereal of [[temperate climate|temperate]] regions |- valign="top" | [[Barley]] | align="right" | 138,704,379 | align="right" | 141,334,270 | align="right" | 72,411,104 | Grown for [[malt]]ing and livestock on land too poor or too cold for wheat |- valign="top" | [[Sorghum]] | align="right" | 56,525,765 | align="right" | 59,214,205 | align="right" | 40,931,625 | Important staple food in Asia and Africa and popular worldwide for livestock |- valign="top" | [[Millet]]s <!-- Plural because several species of millet are grown --> | align="right" | 31,783,428 | align="right" | 30,589,322 | align="right" | 25,703,968 | A group of similar but distinct cereals that form an important staple food in Asia and Africa. |- valign="top" | [[Oat]]s | align="right" | 23,106,021 | align="right" | 23,552,531 | align="right" | 49,588,769 | Formerly the staple food of [[Scotland]] and popular worldwide for livestock |- valign="top" | [[Rye]] | align="right" | 13,265,177 | align="right" | 15,223,162 | align="right" | 35,109,990 | Important in cold climates |- valign="top" | [[Triticale]] | align="right" | 11,338,788 | align="right" | 13,293,233 | align="right" | 0 | [[Hybrid (biology)|Hybrid]] of [[wheat]] and [[rye]], grown similarly to [[rye]] |- valign="top" | [[Buckwheat]] | align="right" | 2,365,158 | align="right" | 2,078,299 | align="right" | 2,478,596 | Pseudocereal, used in [[Eurasia]]. Major uses include various [[pancake]]s and [[groats]] |- valign="top" | [[Fonio]] | align="right" | 378,409 | align="right" | 363,021 | align="right" | 178,483 | Several varieties of which are grown as food crops in [[Africa]] |- valign="top" | [[Quinoa]] | align="right" | 58,989 | align="right" | 58,443 | align="right" | 32,435 | Pseudocereal, grown in the [[Andes]] |} [[Maize]], [[wheat]] and [[rice]], between them, accounted for 87% of all grain production, worldwide, and 43% of all food calories in 2003.<ref name="prodstat"/> Other grains that are important in some places, but that have little production globally (and are not included in [[FAO]] statistics), include: * [[Teff]], popular in [[Ethiopia]] but scarcely known elsewhere. This ancient grain is a staple in Ethiopia. It is high in fiber and protein. Its flour is often used to make [[injera]]. It can also be eaten as a warm breakfast cereal similar to [[farina (food)|farina]] with a chocolate or nutty flavor. Its flour and whole grain products can usually be found in natural foods stores. * [[Wild rice]], grown in small amounts in North America * [[Amaranth grain|Amaranth]], ancient pseudocereal, formerly a staple crop of the [[Aztec Empire]] (besides maize) * [[Kañiwa]], close relative of [[quinoa]] Several other species of wheat have also been domesticated, some very early in the history of agriculture: * [[Spelt]], a close relative of common wheat * [[Einkorn]], a wheat species with a single grain * [[Emmer]], one of the first crops domesticated in the [[Fertile Crescent]] * [[Durum]], the only [[tetraploid]] species of [[wheat]] currently cultivated, used to make [[semolina]] == Farming == [[image:040719_172_dorset_marnhull.jpg|thumb|220px|A wheat field in [[Dorset]], [[England]].]] While each individual species has its own peculiarities, the cultivation of all cereal crops is similar. All are [[annual plant]]s; consequently one planting yields one harvest. Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, barley, and spelt are the '''cool-season''' cereals. These are hardy plants that grow well in moderate weather and cease to grow in hot weather (approximately 30&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] but this varies by species and variety). The other '''warm-season''' cereals are tender and prefer hot weather. Barley and rye are the hardiest cereals, able to overwinter in the [[subarctic]] and [[Siberia]]. Many cool-season cereals are grown in the tropics. However, some are only grown in cooler highlands, where it may be possible to grow multiple crops in a year. === Planting === The warm-season cereals are grown in tropical lowlands year-round and in temperate climates during the frost-free season. [[Rice]] is commonly grown in flooded fields, though some strains are grown on dry land. Other warm climate cereals, such as [[sorghum]], are adapted to arid conditions. Cool-season cereals are well-adapted to temperate climates. Most varieties of a particular species are either '''winter''' or '''spring''' types. Winter varieties are sown in the autumn, germinate and grow vegetatively, then become [[dormancy|dormant]] during winter. They resume growing in the springtime and mature in late spring or early summer. This cultivation system makes optimal use of water and frees the land for another crop early in the growing season. Winter varieties do not flower until springtime because they require '''vernalization''' (exposure to low temperature for a genetically determined length of time). Where winters are too warm for vernalization or exceed the hardiness of the crop (which varies by species and variety), farmers grow spring varieties. Spring cereals are planted in early springtime and mature later that same summer, without vernalization. Spring cereals typically require more irrigation and yield less than winter cereals. === Harvest === Once the cereal plants have grown their seeds, they have completed their [[life cycle]]. The plants die and become brown and dry. As soon as the parent plants and their seed kernels are reasonably dry, harvest can begin. In developed countries, cereal crops are universally machine-harvested, typically using a [[combine harvester]], which cuts, [[threshing|threshes]], and [[winnowing|winnows]] the grain during a single pass across the field. In developing countries, a variety of harvesting methods are in use, from combines to hand tools such as the [[scythe]] or [[cradle (grain)|cradle]]. If a crop is harvested during wet weather, the grain may not dry adequately in the field to prevent spoilage during its storage. In this case, the grain is sent to a dehydrating facility, where artificial heat dries it. In North America, farmers commonly deliver their newly harvested grain to a [[grain elevator]], a large storage facility that consolidates the crops of many farmers. The farmer may sell the grain at the time of delivery or maintain ownership of a share of grain in the pool for later sale. Storage facilities should be protected from small grain [[Pest (organism)|pests]], [[rodent]]s and [[bird]]s. == Food value == [[Image:Chickens feeding.jpg|thumb|250px|Chickens are often fed grains such as wheat]] Cereal grains supply most of their [[food energy]] as [[starch]]. They are also a significant source of [[protein]], though the [[amino acid]] balance, with exceptions as noted below, is not optimal. [[Whole grain]]s (see below) are good sources of [[dietary fiber]], [[essential fatty acid]]s, and other important [[nutrient]]s. Rice is eaten as cooked entire grains, although rice flour is also produced. Oats are rolled, ground, or cut into bits (steel-cut oats) and cooked into [[porridge]]. Most other cereals are ground into [[flour]] or meal, which is '''milled'''. The outer layers of bran and germ are removed (see [[seed]]). This lessens the [[nutrition]]al value but makes the grain more resistant to degradation and makes the grain more appealing to many palates. [[Health]]-conscious people tend to prefer whole grains, which are not milled. Overconsumption of milled cereals is sometimes blamed for [[obesity]]. Milled grains do keep better because the outer layers of the grains are rich in rancidity-prone [[fat]]s. The waste from milling is sometimes mixed into a prepared animal [[Fodder|feed]]. Once (optionally) milled and ground, the resulting flour is made into [[bread]], [[pasta]], [[dessert]]s, [[dumpling]]s, and many other products. Besides cereals, flour is sometimes made from [[potato]]es, [[chestnut]]s and [[pulses]] (especially [[chickpea]]s, which is known as [[besan]]). Cereals are the main source of energy providing about 350 kcal per 100 grams. Cereal proteins are typically poor in nutritive quality, being deficient in essential amino acid [[lysine]]. The proteins of maize are particularly poor, being deficient in lysine and [[tryptophan]] (a precursor of [[niacin]]). Rice proteins are richer in lysine than other common cereal proteins and for this reason, rice protein is considered to be of better quality. Rice is a good source of B group [[vitamin]]s, especially [[thiamine]]. It is devoid of vitamins A, D, C and is a poor source of [[calcium]] and [[iron]]. Certain grains, including [[quinoa]], [[buckwheat]], and [[grain amaranth]] ([[Pseudocereal]], non-grasses), are exceptionally nutrious. [[Quinoa]] was classified as a "supercrop" by the [[United Nations]] because of its high protein content (12-18%).{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete source of protein in plants. In [[English language|English]], cold [[breakfast cereal]]s, as opposed to cooked porridges such as [[oatmeal]], are simply called '''cereal'''. ==Global market== As of late 2007, increased farming for use in [[biofuel]]s,<ref>[http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2104849.0.2008_the_year_of_global_food_crisis.php 2008: The year of global food crisis]</ref> world [[oil prices]] at $130 a barrel as of 2Q 2008, The global grain bubble</ref> global [[population growth]],<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/mar/07/scienceofclimatechange.food Food crisis will take hold before climate change, warns chief scientist]</ref> [[climate change]],<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/nov/03/food.climatechange Global food crisis looms as climate change and fuel shortages bite]</ref> loss of [[agricultural]] land to residential and industrial development,<ref>[http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article3782.html Experts: Global Food Shortages Could ‘Continue for Decades']</ref><ref>[http://www.moyak.com/researcher/resume/papers/var13mkm.html Has Urbanization Caused a Loss to Agricultural Land?]</ref>, growing consumer demand in [[China]] and [[India]]<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1717572,00.html The World's Growing Food-Price Crisis]</ref> and feeding 635 million tons per year to livestock as [[fodder]] have pushed up the price of [[grain]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7284196.stm The cost of food: Facts and figures]</ref> [[Food]] [[riot]]s have recently taken place in many countries across the world.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/04/china.business Riots and hunger feared as demand for grain sends food costs soaring]</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3500975.ece Already we have riots, hoarding, panic: the sign of things to come?]</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/26/food.unitednations Feed the world? We are fighting a losing battle, UN admits]</ref> [[Water deficits]], causing decrease in grain production, is one cause of grain independence. It already spurs heavy [[grain]] imports in numerous smaller countries, may soon do the same in larger countries, such as [[China]] or [[India]].<ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HG21Df01.html Asia Times Online :: South Asia news - India grows a grain crisis<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The water tables are falling in scores of countries (including Northern China, the US, and India) due to widespread overpumping using powerful diesel and electric pumps. Other countries affected include [[Pakistan]], [[Iran]], and [[Mexico]]. This will eventually lead to water scarcity and cutbacks in grain harvest. Even with the overpumping of its [[aquifers]], China is developing a [[grain]] deficit. When this happens, it will almost certainly drive grain prices upward. Most of the 3 billion people projected to be added worldwide by mid-century will be born in countries already experiencing [[water shortages]]. One suggested solution is for [[population growth]] to be slowed quickly by investing heavily in female [[literacy]] and [[family planning]] services.<ref>[http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/zarticles/080902_water_shortages.htm Global Water Shortages May Lead to Food Shortages-Aquifer Depletion<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Desalination]] is also considered a viable and effective solution to the problem of water shortages.<ref name = "ejpress-water">[http://www.ejpress.org/article/4873 EJP | News | France | French-run water plant launched in Israel<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name = "edie-distinct">[http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=11402&channel=0 Black & Veatch-Designed Desalination Plant Wins Global Water Distinction<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After [[China]] and [[India]], there is a second tier of smaller countries with large water deficits — [[Algeria]], [[Egypt]], [[Iran]], [[Mexico]], and [[Pakistan]]. Four of these already import a large share of their grain. Only Pakistan remains self-sufficient. But with a population expanding by 4 million a year, it will also likely soon turn to the world market for grain.<ref>[http://www.i-sis.org.uk/TFBE.php The Food Bubble Economy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==See also== *[[Food price crisis]] *[[Zadoks scale]] ==Notes== {{reflist}} <!-- ! PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE ADDING A LINK HERE ! ! This article is NOT about breakfast cereals! Please don't add links here for ! Web sites about them. If the link is otherwise appropriate (i.e. not spam) ! then you might consider adding it to [[breakfast cereal]] instead. Links ! about cereals will be REMOVED from this section. !--> ==External links== {{commonscat|Cereals}} {{Wiktionary}} * {{cite web | title=Home Grown Cereals Authority website | url=http://www.hgca.com | accessdate=2006-09-08 }} * [http://www.vegsoc.org/info/cereals.html Cereals] by the [[Vegetarian Society]] {{Cereals}} [[Category:Cereals| ]] [[Category:Crops]] [[Category:Vegan cuisine]] [[Category:Vegetarian cuisine]] [[af:Graan]] [[an:Zerial]] [[ar:حبوب]] [[ca:Cereal]] [[cy:Grawn]] [[da:Korn]] [[de:Getreide]] [[es:Cereal]] [[eo:Cerealo]] [[fa:غلات]] [[fr:Céréale]] [[id:Serealia]] [[is:Korn]] [[it:Cereali]] [[he:דגנים]] [[sw:nafaka]] [[la:Frumentum]] [[lt:Javai]] [[jbo:gurni]] [[mk:Жито]] [[ms:Bijirin]] [[nl:Graan]] [[ja:穀物]] [[no:Korn]] [[pl:Zboża]] [[pt:Cereal]] [[qu:Riwi]] [[ru:Хлебные зерновые культуры]] [[simple:Grain]] [[sk:Obilie]] [[sl:Žito]] [[sr:Житарице]] [[fi:Vilja]] [[sv:Spannmål]] [[ta:தானியங்கள்]] [[th:ธัญพืช]] [[uk:Крупа]] [[bat-smg:Javā]] [[zh:粮食]] [[zh-yue:穀物]]