Wheat: The All-Purpose Grain That’s Basically Just Grass
Oh, wheat. Where would we be without you? Probably nibbling on some less versatile grain, that’s for sure. But what is wheat, exactly? Well, my dear reader, it’s time to learn about the most exciting thing since sliced bread (which, let’s be honest, isn’t even that exciting anymore).
History
Wheat has been around since about 8000 BCE in what is now Iraq. It was definitely not the Wheaties champion we know and love today, though. Nope, it was tall, skinny, and not very filling. Plus, it made terrible bread. But over time, people began to selectively breed wheat for desirable traits like taste, texture, and not making you feel like you just ate a cracker instead of a meal.
Uses
So, what can you do with wheat? The real question is, what can’t you do with wheat? You can bake bread, of course (hot tip: turns out gluten-free bread isn’t actually bread at all). You can make pasta, pizza dough, and all sorts of other carb-tastic creations. But wheat is also used in non-food ways. Did you know that wheat is an ingredient in concrete? Yep, it helps strengthen the mixture. And don’t forget about straw—wheat straw is used for everything from animal bedding to hats.
Nutritional Value
Wheat is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that are good for you. It’s high in fiber, which we all know is important for keeping things moving, so to speak. And it has a decent amount of protein, so it can help you build muscle if you’re into that sort of thing. But let’s be real, the best thing about wheat is the carbs. It’s the perfect fuel for those of us who just want to curl up on the couch and binge-watch Netflix.
Fun Facts
- Wheat is technically a type of grass. So, next time someone tells you to behave like an adult, you can say “I am a responsible adult. I eat my greens. And my browns. And my yellows.”
- The average American eats around 140 pounds of wheat per year. That’s more than the weight of a baby llama. Just something to think about.
- In ancient Greece, wheat was considered a gift from the gods. So, if you’re feeling grateful for that slice of toast in the morning, you’re in good company.
So, there you have it, folks. Wheat: it’s versatile, delicious, and makes great concrete. What more could you ask for in a grass?