Wheat

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and the primary raw material for producing flour, bread, pasta, groats and many other foods. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and forms the backbone of agriculture in Europe, Asia and the Americas. It contains carbohydrates, protein, fibre, B vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc. Wholegrain wheat retains the bran and germ, making it more nutritious than white flour. The most widespread species are common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and durum wheat (Triticum durum), the latter used mainly for pasta.