The Origins of Cereals: From Ancient Grains to Modern Breakfast Cereals

Cereals have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years. From the humble beginnings of wild grains to the modern breakfast cereals we enjoy today, the history of cereals is a fascinating journey through time. Let's dive into the evolution of cereals and explore the first breakfast cereals to be created.

Early Domestication of Grains

Grains were among the first crops to be domesticated, marking a significant milestone in human agriculture. Emmer wheat, einkorn wheat, barley, and rice, some of the first grains to be domesticated during the Neolithic revolution, date back to approximately 13,000 to 8,000 years ago. However, the evidence of human harvesting of wild emmer wheat suggests that these grains were harvested even earlier, possibly as early as 23,000 years ago. The Neolithic revolution, a critical period of human history, saw the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agrarian communities.

The First Cold-Cut Breakfast Cereal

While many cultures rely on hot porridges and stews as breakfast fare, the first ready-to-eat breakfast cereal can be traced back to the late 19th century. According to The New Shell Book of Firsts, Granula,