Grains are edible seeds from cereal plants, and they can be classified as either whole or refined. A whole grain consists of the bran, germ, and endosperm, while a refined grain has the bran and germ removed and only consists of the endosperm. As a result, whole grains are more nutritious than refined grains.
Grains are commonly ground into flour to make foods like bread, pasta, pie crusts, and crackers. They can also be used to make different types of sweeteners, such as rice syrup, that are commonly added to baked goods, candies, and packaged food.
What are Ancient Grains?
While there is no true definition for the term "ancient grains", it is generally used to define grains that have been grown in the same way over the last several hundred years. Unlike modern wheat or corn, these grains haven't been genetically modified or "bred." Ancient grains include millet, sorghum, amaranth, teff, and wheat varieties, such as spelt and Kamut.
What Is Pseudocereal?
A pseudocereal, or pseudograin, is the fruit or seed of a non-grass plant that is prepared and consumed like a cereal grain. Pseudocereal examples include quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat.