World Grain - March 2017 - 98

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Book Review

'NEGLECTED
N

CEREALS'

eglected Cereals" is a new publication from the wellknown Erling Agrimedia stable in Germany. It is an
informative addition to the library of anyone with an
interest in the growing or processing of grain, in particular
wheat and its antecedents. The book, written by Thomas
Miedaner and Friedrich Longin and translated by Charlotte
Grill, is published at an opportune time when grain-based
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restating to a new generation.
About 380,000 plant species are known worldwide, of
which about 7,000 are thought to have been used by humans. Astonishingly, despite this tremendous diversity,
only around 150 species are used for human consumption
today and only 30 account for 95% of human calorie requirements. Fully 50% of human nutritional needs are met
by the harvest of just three - wheat, rice and maize (corn).
In our pursuit of improved nutrition, pest and disease
resistance as well as tolerance to climate change, there
is merit in reconsidering some of the so-called "ancient"
grains to complement or enhance the staple crops. Of
course, these neglected cereals, which are lower yielding
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a substantial contribution to world food supply in the short
term. Nevertheless they offer a precious reservoir of traits
that we would be unwise to lose.
EVOLUTION OF WHEAT
The opening chapters deal with plant breeding and the
complicated evolutionary history of wheat from the better
known ancient grains of Einkorn, Emmer and spelt so that
today we have between 19 and 25 subspecies of Triticum,
some of which only exist as small samples forming part of
98

by Bryan McGee

New book focuses on the growing
and processing of grain, particularly
wheat and its antecedents
a seed collection. Einkorn and Emmer, the original largeJUDLQHG ZLOG SODQWV ZHUH VRPH RI WKH ¿UVW WR EH GRPHV
ticated in the "fertile crescent" about 12,000 years ago.
Gradually Emmer became the dominant crop as cultivation
spread to Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece. It was during
the Roman Empire that higher yielding bread wheat, as we
now know it, gained in importance.
Emmer and Einkorn spread westwards through settlements in the Danube and later Rhine valleys where rye also
emerged as a crop since it was away from the risk of cross
pollination with its wild antecedents. As late as the mid19th century Einkorn was still being cultivated in central
Europe, but now it is only found in very small pockets.
Spelt is the ancient cereal having traits that show most immediate promise. Its origins are unclear, but evidence suggests
it developed in the same area and time as bread wheat around
the Caspian Sea. By the mid-19th century it was known as the
Swabian cereal due to its popularity in the German speaking countries of central Europe. More recently it has enjoyed
a revival among organic farmers not only in Europe but also
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blended or pure form in a variety of baked goods.
Cultivation of Einkorn, Emmer and spelt by both organic
March 2017 / World Grain / www.World-Grain.com

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World Grain - March 2017

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