Organic Grains & Cereals

Grains and cereals are a staple in many diets around the world. They provide essential nutrients and minerals, and are a great source of carbohydrates, fibre, and protein. Some of the most popular grains and cereals include wheat, rice, oats, barley, and corn.

Organic grains and cereals are grown using natural farming methods and are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means they are not exposed to synthetic pesticides and fertilisers during growth, which can be harmful to the environment.

Additionally, organic grain and cereal products are often whole grains, which means they retain more of their natural nutrients and fibres than refined grains.

The key distinction between grains and cereals is that grains are the edible seeds of plants that belong to the cereal or legume family, while cereals refer to plants that belong to the grass family.

The terms cereals and grains are often used interchangeably in everyday language. It is common to use the term "cereal grain" to refer to both the plant and its edible seeds. However, it is also common to use "cereal" to refer to the plant and "grain" to refer to the edible seeds.

What are Organic Grains

Organic Grains are an essential part of our diet and have been a staple food for many cultures around the world for centuries. They are the edible seeds of plants, and the plant that produces these seeds is referred to as a grain crop. There are two main categories of grain crops: cereals and legumes.

Cereal grains include wheat, rice, oats, barley, rye, millet, corn, popping corn, triticale, and sorghum. They are members of the Poaceae family and have a high carbohydrate content, making them an important source of energy. These grains can be consumed in a variety of forms such as bread, pasta, cereal, and even as a side dish. Pseudo-cereals like chia, quinoa, and buckwheat are also considered cereal grains.

Legumes or pulses are another type of grain crop. They include chickpeas, mung beans, soybeans, common beans, lentils, and lima beans. These grains are members of the pea family and have a higher protein content compared to cereal grains. They are a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, and stews.

Grains are a versatile food source that provides essential nutrients, minerals, and energy. They can be consumed in many different forms and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

Grains are not only an important source of nutrition but also a staple food for people all over the world. They are known for their durability and ability to be stored for long periods of time, making them a reliable food source. Additionally, grains can be processed in various ways, such as being milled into flour or pressed into oil, increasing their versatility.

The versatility of grains allows for a wide variety of foods to be made from them. From bread, noodles, pasta, flatbreads, cakes, and pastries to name a few. These grains are a major ingredient in many traditional and modern recipes around the world, adding to their cultural and culinary significance.

What are Organic Cereals

Cereals are a type of plant that belongs to the grass family (Poaceae or Gramineae family) and are grown for their grain. These plants are known for being a major food source for people all over the world and provide more food energy than any other type of crop. They are often referred to as staple crops as they are essential to the diet and are grown in large quantities.

The term "cereal" comes from the name of the Roman goddess of farming, Ceres. These grains have been a crucial part of human civilization for thousands of years, and continue to be an important source of nutrition and food energy. Some examples of cereal grains include wheat, rice, oats, barley, corn, and rye. 

These grains can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as bread, pasta, cereal, and as a side dish.

Wheat is the most prevalent cereal crop grown in the Western world. Rice and millet are also widely consumed cereal grains, particularly in developing countries. These grains are a staple food for millions of people. Pseudo-cereals, which are edible grains from non-grass plants, include Chia, quinoa, and buckwheat.

What Is the Relationship Between Grains and Cereals?

Grains and cereals are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing.

Grains refer to the seeds or fruits of various grasses that are used for food, feed, or as an ingredient in other products. Examples of grains include wheat, rice, oats, barley, corn, and rye.

Cereals, on the other hand, specifically refer to grains that are processed and often eaten as a staple food. The term "cereal" often refers to breakfast cereal, which is made from grains like wheat, oats, corn, and rice that are processed into flakes or other forms, and are often sweetened and flavoured. Cereals can also refer to grains that are cooked and eaten as a staple food like rice, wheat and corn.

Therefore, all cereals are grains, but not all grains are cereals. Some grains are used for non-food purposes, such as producing alcohol or for feed for animals.

Examples: Examples of true cereals include wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley, and millet. However, the term "grains" can also encompass other types of plants such as legumes, like chickpeas, mung beans, soybeans, and lentils, as well as pseudo-cereals, like chia and quinoa.

The Reasons to Choose Organic Grains and Cereals

Organic grain and cereal prioritise soil health and fertility by utilising natural farming methods and avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Additionally, organic farming uses methods such as biological pest control instead of chemical pesticides.

They are free of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers: Organic grains and cereals are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which can be harmful to humans and the environment.

They are non-GMO: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can be a concern for some people.

They may be more nutritious: Some studies suggest that organic grains and cereals may contain higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, compared to their non-organic counterparts.

They support sustainable farming practices: Organic farming is based on principles of sustainability, which means that farmers use methods that promote soil health and biodiversity.

They can support local farmers: Buying organic grains and cereals from local farmers can help to support the local economy and promote sustainable farming practices.

They could be better for animal welfare: Organic farming prohibits the use of antibiotics and growth hormones which are often used in non-organic farming, this could promote better animal welfare.

They may have better taste: Organic farming methods often allow the crops to ripen naturally, this can lead to better taste and texture in the final product.