Cereals are a type of food widely consumed by humans, although they are also used to feed animals, particularly livestock. These are grasses that have edible grains or seeds. Cereals contain large amounts of starch, which is essential for human nutrition. They also contain lipids that can be extracted in the form of oils. Therefore, cereals can be used in different ways, always with a nutritional purpose. In fact, the cultivation of cereals has been one of the great advances of human beings. For example, rice is associated with the East, wheat with Europe and corn with what is now Mexico.
In the case of our country, corn is in fact the staple food, since it is present in a large number of dishes. On the other hand, cereals are not frequently consumed in their natural state, but are processed. This alters its components or chemical constitution. For example, with cereals you can produce different gastronomic dishes, but also breads and some drinks such as beer. That is why its usefulness is immense and very important for human beings. In addition, as we said, cereal grains are usually the food of livestock such as cows, sheep, pigs and even birds or other types of animals.
Types of cereals:
Rice: it is one of the most consumed cereals in the world. It is a grain, native to Asia, that needs a lot of water to grow. Like other cereals, it is a hard grain, covered in a layer.
Wheat: this is another of the most popular cereals in the world. It is a species that is grown mainly in temperate climates. Its characteristics can vary and it is used mainly in making bread. It is originally from Europe.
Types of cereals, wheat
Corn: corn is another of the most consumed cereals in the world. Its origin, it is believed, is American. There are different varieties of this food, which have different sizes and colors. The ways of consuming it can be very varied.
Barley: this cereal is also native to Europe and has the advantage that it can be grown in various climates. It is currently used for the production of flour and, above all, beer.
Rye: this is another cereal that is generally used in making bread and some specific dishes. However, it is not usually as consumed as the previous cereals.
Sorghum: sorghum is another cereal widely used for human consumption and also for small and large livestock. Its nutritional performance is very high. That is why it is used for that.
Oatmeal: This is another very popular cereal due to its nutritional values. It is one of the cereals that can be eaten practically whole, that is, as a seed or grain.
Amaranth: This is a highly nutritious cereal that has become very popular in recent years. In fact, it is considered by scientists as the food of the future since it has even been used as food for astronauts.
