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Wheat is thought to have been cultivated over 9,000 years ago!
There are over 30 varieties of wheat grown today. Most of the varieties
have hollow stems and long, narrow leaves. Each head of wheat has
from 20-100 flowers. When the flowers are fertilized, grain can be
produced. Today, the United States is the world's third largest producer
of wheat thanks to a group of Russian immigrants who settled in Kansas
in 1873-4. They brought with them a variety of wheat called Turkey Red
that grew better than any other varieties tried in American soil.
Ironically, Russia and the other former states of the Soviet Union are
one of the United States' best wheat customers.
Wheat is ground and made into flour for baking foods. Durum wheat is
used to make pasta. Wheat can be puffed, flaked, or rolled to make
breakfast cereals. Wheat can also be used to make wheat germ and
bulgur.
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