Wheat – Fruit or Vegetable?
Do you know if wheat belongs in the fruit or vegetable category? Wheat is an important staple food found in many traditional cultures. To clarify, wheat is a cereal grain, and not technically a fruit or vegetable.
What is a Cereal Grain?
Cereal grains are grasses cultivated for their edible, starchy seeds. Examples of other cereal grains include oats, barley, and maize (corn). Grains are the seeds of plants in the grass family.
Where is Wheat Grown?
Wheat is grown worldwide in temperate climates. It can be grown on a range of soil types, from sandy to clay-loam. Wheat is an important part of human diets, and is processed as flour, bread and pasta.
Nutritional Benefits of Wheat
Wheat is a nutritious food, providing important vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and prevent constipation. Wheat is also a good source of B-vitamins, including folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6.
Conclusion
To summarize, wheat is not a fruit or vegetable, but a cereal grain. It is an important food crop, and a nutritious source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins. As such, wheat is a valuable part of a healthy and balanced diet.
