Introduction
Cereals fall under the category of grains as they have a high content of carbohydrates present in them. They are grown in most countries and a large number of cereals are being consumed by most living organisms along with humans. They are also grown in other developing countries such as India in the form of grains. Pulses are also categorized under the same category. Pulses are not grown in large quantities in most countries but still, they are rich in various food nutrients.
What are Cereals?
Cereals are mainly categorized under the category of edible components of grass. A large number of countries produce them. Many developing countries also produce them in the form of Grains. Their food value is very high as they have a large amount of Proteins, Minerals, Carbohydrates, Fats and Oils. Apart from that it also contains various types of Vitamins, Phosphorus and Amino acids.
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Classification of Cereals
Cereals are classified under the kingdom of plants and their family is Poaceae. They actually fall in the order of Poales. Various types of cereals are actually produced in various forms in different parts of the country. Some of the major classifications are Wheat, Corn, Barley, Oats, Quinoa, Rice etc. Cereals can also refer to the members of the Gramineae family and determines various species of crops.
Characteristic features of Cereals
- Cereals are essential components. Regardless of the fact that they contain high- energy contents, they are also cheaper than the other crops which may be somewhat expensive.
- In agriculture, various crops are grown among them a large number of grains are majorly produced. Many climatic and environmental factors are also responsible for the proper growth of these crops.
- The geographical location and soil fertility also play an essential role in the production of these crops.
- Most of these crops are mostly consumed by humans and some are sold in their raw forms for consumption by other living beings.
- Other food products can be produced for many animals which are domestically used for creating many milk products and can be widely used for poultry farming.
- Cereals are also widely used in many industries for other purposes also such as producing alcohol and many other bio-fuels.
What are Pulses?
Pulses are known to be Legumes of grain which are often pronounced commonly as dry seeds. They are produced in lesser quantities as compared to cereals. But they contain high nutrient values such as Proteins, Iron, Vitamins and Fibres. They are available in the form of broad beans butter beans etc. their high nutrient values make an alternate option for diet purposes if there is a lack in the intake of other food items. It usually reduces the amount of cholesterol level in the human body. They have low-fat content present in them. They are also used for controlling the blood sugar level in the body of all living organisms.
Pulses are also economically essential for the survival of a large number of people in many countries as they cultivate a pulse which give farmers their own income and helps to build the economic structure of certain countries in many ways. According to certain estimations India is the largest producer of pulses and most of the countries like Australia, China, USA and Nigeria produce pulses.
Production process of Pulses
The processing of pulses involves basically two steps the first process is known as a seed coating and its removal process and the second process involves the conversion of grain into splits and grinding them into various components for end use.
Examples of cereals and pulses
The various examples of cereals and pulses are classified as follows −
Cereals
- Wheat
- Rice
- Barley
- Oats
- Sorghum and
- Rye
Pulses
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Dry peas
- Vetches
- Broad beans
- Bambara beans.
Differences between Cereals and Pulses
The difference between cereals and pulses can be described as follows −
| Cereals | Pulses |
|---|---|
| Cereals are actually harvested in the form of grasses for their components of starch. | Pulses are grown in the form of leguminous crops which are mainly harvested in the form of dry seeds. |
| In the case of large commercial farming purposes, these crops are widely produced. | As compared to cereals pulses are grown in a small amount. |
| High levels of carbohydrates are present in cereals. | The number of carbohydrates present in pulses is lower than the cereals. |
| They fall under the plant kingdom and their family is Poaceae | Pulses fall under the same category of plants but their family category is different their name is Leguminosae. |
| Cereals are grown in every region except in cold areas and in desserts. | Pulses are grown in a pod which may produce as many as twelve seeds. |
| Major examples of cereals are rice, and wheat etc. | Major examples of pulses are dry beans, chickpeas etc. |