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[[Image:Various grains.jpg|thumb|Oats, barley, and some products made from them]]
[[Image:Various grains.jpg|thumb|Oats, barley, and some products made from them]]
'''Cereal''' [[agriculture|crops]] are mostly [[Poaceae|grasses]] cultivated for their edible grains or [[seed]]s (technically a type of [[fruit]] called a [[caryopsis]]). Cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more energy worldwide than any other type of crop. In some [[developing nation]]s, cereal grains constitute practically the entire diet of common folk. In [[developed nation]]s, cereal consumption is more moderate but still substantial. The word ''cereal'' derives from ''[[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]]'', the name of the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. Grains are traditionally called ''corn'' in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]], though that word became specified for ''[[maize]]'' in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Australia]].
'''Cereal''' [[agriculture|crops]] are mostly [[Poaceae|grasses]] cultivated for their edible grains or [[seed]]s (technically a type of [[fruit]] called a [[caryopsis]]). Cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more energy worldwide than any other type of crop. In some [[developing nation]]s, cereal grains constitute practically the entire diet of common folk. In [[developed nation]]s, cereal consumption is more moderate but still substantial. The word ''cereal'' derives from ''[[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]]'', the name of the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. Grains are traditionally called ''corn'' in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]], though that word became specified for ''[[maize]]'' in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Australia]].
* [[Wild rice]], grown in small amounts in North America
* [[Wild rice]], grown in small amounts in North America
* [[Grain amaranth]], ancient pseudocereal, formerly a staple crop of the [[Aztec Empire]]
* [[Grain amaranth]], ancient pseudocereal, formerly a staple crop of the [[Aztec Empire]]
* [[Kañiwa]], close relative of [[quinoa]]
* [[Kañiwa]], close relative of [[quinoa]]
Several other species of wheat have also been domesticated, some very early in the history of agriculture:
Several other species of wheat have also been domesticated, some very early in the history of agriculture:
[[image:040719_172_dorset_marnhull.jpg|thumb|220px|A corn field in [[Dorset]], [[England]].]]
[[image:040719_172_dorset_marnhull.jpg|thumb|220px|A corn field in [[Dorset]], [[England]].]]
While each individual species has its own peculiarities, the cultivation of all cereals crops is similar. All are [[annual plant]]s; consequently one planting yields one harvest. Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, barley, and spelt are the '''cool-season''' cereals.
While each individual species has its own peculiarities, the cultivation of all cereals crops is similar. All are [[annual plant]]s; consequently one planting yields one harvest. Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, barley, and spelt are the '''cool-season''' cereals.
These are hardy plants that grow well in moderate weather and cease to grow in hot weather (approximately 30 [[Celsius|°C]] but this varies by species and variety).
These are hardy plants that grow well in moderate weather and cease to grow in hot weather (approximately 30 [[Celsius|°C]] but this varies by species and variety).
The other '''warm-season''' cereals are tender and prefer hot weather.
The other '''warm-season''' cereals are tender and prefer hot weather.