Jyväviljät

Jyväviljat, also known as cereal grains, are a staple food source for much of the world's population. These plants are cultivated for their edible starchy seeds, which are botanically classified as a type of fruit called a caryopsis. Cereal grains are members of the grass family (Poaceae) and are characterized by their non-showy flowers and the presence of a single seed fused to the ovary wall.

The most important cereal grains globally include wheat, rice, maize (corn), barley, oats, rye, and sorghum. Each of these grains has distinct characteristics and culinary uses. Wheat is a primary ingredient in bread, pasta, and pastries. Rice is the staple food for over half of the world's population, particularly in Asia. Maize is versatile, consumed directly as a vegetable, processed into flour, cornmeal, and sweeteners, and used for animal feed. Barley is often used in soups, stews, and as a malting grain for beer production. Oats are commonly eaten as porridge and are also used in baked goods and granola. Rye is known for its use in dark breads and spirits. Sorghum is a significant grain in many parts of Africa and Asia, used for flour, porridges, and alcoholic beverages.

Cereal grains are rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, and also contain significant amounts of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Their cultivation is vital for global food security, and they are processed in numerous ways, from whole grains to refined flours, starches, and oils.