Eating off grass family

EVERY day millions of people eat grass in one form or another! Cornflakes, bread, rice, spaghetti, porridge, noodles, beer and many other foods are all made from cereals which are members of the grass family.

Cereals contain larger quantities of starches (which we need for energy and warmth) than any other plants, and the various kinds form part of staple diets all over the world. They are easy and quick to grow, and can be stored for several years without losing their value.

Rice has been the staple food of the most highly populated countries in the world. China and India, rice has been eaten for almost 5,000 years.

Traditionally, it has been grown in paddy fields in hotter countries, but new varieties have been developed that can be grown in ordinary fields even in cooler countries such as those in southern Europe.

Maize, or sweet corn, originated in South America. The corn cob is made of seeds clustered around the stalk.

The ripe seeds are ground to form cornflour, dried seeds can be used for making popcorn, and the rolled and toasted grains are eaten as cornflakes. Oil for cooking can also be extracted.