Food - Week 38: Grains
We’re moving forward and fall is upon us, time to think about grains again. Holiday baking and cold nights are coming soon which means a change in diet, more grains, and fewer fresh fruits and veggies. According to the USDA, "U.S. wheat production for the 2023/24 marketing year is forecast at 1.66 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the previous year, but down 7 percent from the recent 5-year average of 1.788 billion bushels." (https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/outlooks/106544/whs-23e.pdf?v=9179.4#:~:text=U.S.%20wheat%20production%20for%20the%202023%2F24%20marketing%20year,the%20recent%205-year%20average%20of%201.788%20billion%20bushels.) With this news and more in the report, it is even more important to buy your grains now before more price increases. And then there are other crops. Yes, once again the drought has affected grain crops in various locations.
This week add six pounds of grains per person to your General Store shelves. If you are storing whole wheat, one pound of whole wheat ground equals almost one pound of flour so don't think because wheat is heavy you need to store less.
When we speak of grains we are really talking about carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel and are easily used by the body for energy. Carbohydrates are needed for the central nervous system, kidneys, brain, and muscles (remember the heart is a muscle) to function properly. Carbohydrates can be stored in the muscles and liver for use later and are important in intestinal health and waste elimination. The best source of carbohydrates is grains.
Grains include: whole wheat, wheat flour, bulgur, oatmeal, cornmeal, rice (white, brown, and wild), buckwheat, popcorn, rye flour, barley, pasta, pretzels, couscous, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and triticale. You can also count muffins, cornbread, and pancake mixes.
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