There are many things in our lives that we take for granted. Getting up in the morning, eating breakfast, and heading off for the day remains consistent. The foods we eat, ranging from meats to nutrient-rich grains, are customary. Concerning the latter, much more than meets the eye regarding grains.
Normally, we do not think of our consumable grains as anything but sustenance. That would be doing a disservice to the very structure of what comprises a grain by nature. Grains are an interesting part of our lives in that they can vary from purpose to purpose. There are many cool facts about grains that you may have never even heard of previously.
Here are six interesting facts about grains that might surprise you:
Fact #1: Grains are divided into seven categories.
From rice to wheat, many of the grains that remain staples of our lives are just thought of as ordinary. Once we cook our specific grains, we do not think much of them afterwards. However, a categorization of grain classes should be considered, as it is more important.
Grains can be divvied up into seven categories for the most part. These categories include maize, wheat, rice, barley, oats, rye, and sorghum. Of course, there is a use for every one of those categories in question. Depending on the individual or business, they can be interesting to boot.
Regardless of the category, grains must be stored under the optimal conditions. Farmers need to manage the temperature, moisture, and aeration levels to preserve the quality of the harvests. Grain management plays a significant role in ensuring the crops maintain their quality and nutritional value.
Fact #2: Sorghum is one of the oldest grains in existence.
Many of us are already familiar with the typical grain categories as presented. Rice, rye, and oats are consumed almost daily in many different forms. What many of us may not already be familiar with is that of sorghum. Sorghum is one of the oldest grains in our world’s existence.
Interestingly enough, sorghum also dominates overall global production. Depending on where it is manufactured, it also outweighs oats and rye combined when produced. It also comes packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals like any other grain. It might be uncommon by western standards, but it remains crucial within the grain family.
Fact #3: Wild rice is more of a grass seed than a grain.
By simply putting on a cooking video or channel on your TV, you will see rice used in some inevitable way. Rice can come about and be cooked in several ways, which can be delectable on the palate. From basmati to wild rice, each type of grain is used daily, global basis.
However, wild rice is not wild in the literal sense regarding the name itself. It cannot even be considered of the grain family in and of itself. Wild rice can be thought of as a grass seed disguised as a grain of rice. Even though it doesn’t detract from its utility, it is still interesting.
Fact #4: Corn and rice are the most popular grains.
While rice is often considered the king of the grain family, its crown is held by another. Maize is consistently the most popular and most produced grain globally. Its size is also representative of its utility in the world; it’s massive to behold in the field!
Corn is also one of the most sought-after grains due to its functionality for other uses. Biofuel, for special types of vehicles, runs on maize. In addition, it is used to feed animals on a farm, such as livestock. Despite rice being one of the most popular grains in existence, the same respect should also be given to corn.
Fact #5: Grains have multiple uses and purposes.
Barley is also one of those grains that are used for several purposes. It is multifaceted by design, from making alcohol to being used in meals such as porridge. It is also delicious when cooked properly!
Like barley, wheat is also used for various purposes in our daily lives. Despite being used for our favourite dishes, the grain is also produced to create daily items. The adhesive on the back of a postage stamp? Its properties are usually derived from wheat!
Fact #6: The European Union is the largest wheat producer.
Grain farming and production often vary when it comes to a national level. In terms of which part of the world leads production, the European Union is the largest wheat producer. China is also breaking ground and may be the largest producer in a few short years.
Grains remain vital to our overall lifestyles. No matter which category is sought after, there will always be useful for one or more grain categories. Take a look at an arbitrary object; a grain could’ve been used to create it!
