Grain Facts for Kids

Oats, barley, and some products made from them

Grain refers to the tiny seeds of certain types of grass. The most common types of grain grown by farmers are called cereals. People around the world grow and eat many different kinds of grain. These grains are some of the most important foods on Earth.

Some common types of grain include:

Barley
Maize (also known as American corn)
Millet
Oats
Rice
Wheat

About 87% of all grain grown globally is maize. Grains are full of carbohydrates, which give people energy. In countries where food is scarce, grains make up a big part of what people eat. Even in richer countries, grains are still very important. Growing grain needs a lot of water. For example, it takes about 1,000 tons of water to grow just one ton of grain.

Many different foods come from grains. Grains are often ground into a fine powder called flour. This flour can be used to make tasty breads, cakes, or noodles. Different kinds of beer are also made from barley malt, wheat, and other grains. Tortillas, a popular flatbread, are made from a special maize (corn) flour called masa.

What are the Main Types of Grain?
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What are the Main Types of Grain?

Cereal Grains

Cereal grain seeds from left to right: wheat, spelt, barley, oat.

All cereal crops belong to the grass family, known as Poaceae. Cereal grains have a lot of starch. Starch is a carbohydrate that gives us energy to play and learn.

Warm-Season Cereals

These cereals grow best in warmer climates:

Cool-Season Cereals

Barley

Rye grains

Rice grains by the IRRI

These cereals prefer cooler weather to grow well:

Pseudocereal Grains

Buckwheat

Pseudocereals are not true grasses, but their starchy seeds are used like grains. They come from broadleaf plants.

Amaranth (from the Amaranth family)
Buckwheat (from the Smartweed family)
Chia (from the Mint family)
Quinoa (from the Amaranth family)
Kañiwa
Kiwicha

Pulses (Grain Legumes)

Lentil

Pulses are also called grain legumes. They are part of the pea family. Pulses have a lot of protein, usually around 20%. Some, like soybeans, can have as much as 35% protein! Like other plant foods, pulses also contain carbohydrates and fats. Common pulses include: