Grain

food · plants · farming

What grains are. Grains are small, hard, dry fruits that grow on plants like wheat, rice, and corn. Each grain is a complete seed package that can grow into a brand new plant if given the right conditions.

Two main types. The two biggest grain families are cereals (like wheat, rice, oats, and barley) and legumes (like beans and lentils). Both give us tons of food energy and protein.

Feeds the world. Grains are the most important food crops on Earth because they feed more people than any other type of plant. Billions of people eat grain-based foods like bread, pasta, rice, and cereal every single day.

Harvested by farmers. Farmers grow grain crops in huge fields and harvest the ripe seeds when they're dry and hard. A single grain farmer can grow enough food to feed hundreds of people for a whole year.

Built to last. Grains have a tough outer layer that protects the seed inside, which is why they can be stored dry for months or even years without going bad.