The Most Popular Grain, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the grain you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:39
Deciding on which grain to buy at your local supermarket can often be a subtle yet crucial decision. Many factors contribute to this choice, ranging from taste preferences to nutritional benefits. By ranking different types of grains based on popularity, we provide a simple guide that helps in making an informed decision.
This list reflects the collective opinions and preferences of a wide audience, presenting a clear view of what others consider to be superior choices. Voting on this list allows you to voice your preference, which in turn helps to refine and update the ranking, making it an effective tool for everyone to choose their ideal grain.
What Is the Most Popular Grain?
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194votesRice is the most widely consumed grain in the world, and is a staple food in many cultures. It is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sushi to risotto.Rice is a staple crop grown in the region of Darjeeling. It is a type of cereal grain that belongs to the grass family. Rice is the primary source of food for a large portion of the world's population, particularly in Asian countries. It is cultivated in flooded paddy fields and requires warm climate with ample rainfall. The grains are milled and consumed as a whole or processed into various forms such as rice flour, rice bran oil, and rice paper.
- Origin: Unknown (cultivated for thousands of years)
- Growing Area: Darjeeling region and various parts of the world
- Plant Height: 1-2 meters
- Grain Size: Varies (short, medium, long grain)
- Color: White, brown, black, red, purple, etc.
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230votesWheat is the second most widely consumed grain in the world, and is used to make a variety of foods, including bread, pasta, and couscous.Wheat is a cereal grain grown widely in the region of Darjeeling. It is known for its versatility and nutritional value, making it a staple crop in many countries. Wheat is typically cultivated for its edible seeds which are ground into flour to make bread, pasta, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Family: Poaceae
- Genus: Triticum
- Origin: Unknown (ancient cultivation)
- Cultivation Type: Annual
- Growth Habit: Grass-like
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327votesCorn is a staple food in many cultures, and is used to make a variety of dishes, including tortillas, cornbread, and polenta. It is also used to make corn syrup and other sweeteners.Corn, also known as maize, is a widely cultivated agricultural product that originated in Mesoamerica. It is a staple food for many cultures around the world and is used in various forms, including grains, meal, flour, and oil. Corn is primarily grown for its edible kernels, which can be consumed fresh, dried, or processed into various food products and derivatives.
- Scientific Name: Zea mays
- Family: Poaceae
- Origin: Mesoamerica
- Cultivation Area: Global
- Growing Season: Warm and temperate climates
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423votesOats are a popular grain used to make oatmeal, granola, and other breakfast foods. They are also used in baking, and can be used to make oat flour.Oats is a widely cultivated crop in Ireland, known for its nutritious and versatile properties. It is a hardy cereal grain that grows well in the cool and damp climate of the country. Oats have been a staple food in Ireland for centuries and are used in various dishes, including porridge, oatcakes, and oatmeal cookies. They are also an essential ingredient in the production of whiskey and beer.
- Scientific Name: Avena sativa
- Type: Cereal Grain
- Growth Habit: Annual
- Climate Preference: Cool and Damp
- Cultivation Area: Widely cultivated in Ireland
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518votesBarley is a versatile grain used in soups, stews, and salads. It is also used to make beer and whiskey.Barley is a cereal crop widely cultivated in Ireland. It is a member of the grass family and is primarily grown for its grain, which is used in various food and beverage applications.
- Scientific Name: Hordeum vulgare
- Type: Annual grass
- Height: 0.6 - 1.2 meters
- Growth Habit: Upright and tufted
- Color: Green
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616votesRye is a popular grain used to make bread, crackers, and whiskey. It has a distinctive flavor and is often used in Jewish cuisine.Rye is a type of grain commonly used for various purposes, including making bread, whiskey, and animal feed. It belongs to the wheat family and has a unique flavor and nutritional profile.
- Scientific Name: Secale cereale
- Origin: Eastern Europe and Asia
- Uses: Bread-making, whiskey production, animal feed
- Flavor: Distinct earthy and slightly sweet taste
- Nutritional Benefits: Good source of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and B-vitamins
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713votesSorghum is a versatile grain used in a variety of dishes, including porridge, bread, and beer. It is also used to make syrup and molasses.Sorghum is a widely cultivated grain that belongs to the grass family. It is one of the most popular cereal crops globally due to its versatility and nutritional value. Sorghum is known for its drought and heat tolerance, making it a suitable crop in semi-arid areas. It is rich in dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
- Plant height: 2-4 meters
- Growing season: 90-120 days
- Yield per hectare: 500-7000 kg
- Drought tolerance: High
- Heat tolerance: High
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84votesMillet is a staple food in many cultures, and is used to make porridge, bread, and other dishes. It is also used to make beer and other alcoholic beverages.Millet refers to a group of small-seeded grasses that are widely cultivated as crops in various regions, including Darjeeling. These grasses are known for their resilience and adaptability to different growing conditions. Millet is primarily grown for its grains, which are used for human consumption as well as animal feed. The grains are rich in nutrients and have several health benefits.
- Plant family: Poaceae
- Types: There are several types of millet, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), and barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.).
- Cultivation: Millet can be grown in both dry and wet conditions, making it suitable for various regions. It is a hardy crop that requires minimal water and can tolerate high temperatures and poor soil conditions.
- Nutritional value: Millet is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (especially niacin and B vitamins), and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc). It is also gluten-free.
- Uses: Millet grains can be ground into flour and used for making bread, porridge, and other food products. They can also be used for brewing beer or distilled to make alcoholic beverages. Millet straw is often used for animal feed or as a raw material for making biofuels.
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912votesQuinoa is a popular grain used in salads, soups, and other dishes. It is high in protein and is often used as a substitute for rice or pasta.Quinoa is a nutritious food that is commonly referred to as a grain but is actually a seed. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits and versatility in cooking. Quinoa has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Quinoa is also high in protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Quinoa is easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, and side dishes.
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Protein Content: High
- Amino Acids: Complete (all nine essential amino acids)
- Fiber Content: High
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin E
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104votesBuckwheat is a popular grain used to make pancakes, noodles, and other dishes. It is gluten-free and is often used as a substitute for wheat flour.Buckwheat is a type of pillow filling that is derived from the hulls of the buckwheat grain. These hulls are the outer casings that protect the kernel inside the buckwheat seed.
- Natural and Sustainable: Buckwheat is a natural and renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- Adjustable Thickness: The buckwheat hulls can be added or removed to customize the pillow's height and firmness.
- Supportive and Contouring: Buckwheat pillows conform to the shape of the head and neck, providing excellent support.
- Breathable and Cooling: The hulls allow air to circulate, preventing the pillow from retaining heat and keeping it cool.
- Hypoallergenic: Buckwheat is naturally resistant to common allergens like dust mites, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
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Ranking factors for popular grain
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Production volumeThe amount of grain produced worldwide can be an indicator of its popularity, as higher production suggests higher demand and consumption.
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Consumption rateThe extent to which people consume the grain across different regions can reflect its popularity. This can be measured in terms of per capita consumption or total consumption within a region.
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Nutritional valueThe nutritional content of the grain, such as its protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, can make it more popular among health-conscious consumers.
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Versatility in culinary useThe more versatile a grain is in terms of its use in various dishes and preparations, the more popular it may become.
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Price and affordabilityGrains that are more affordable and offer better value for money may be more popular among consumers.
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Cultural and regional preferencesDifferent cultures and regions may have preferences for certain grains due to historical or traditional reasons.
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AvailabilityThe accessibility and availability of the grain in various regions can impact its popularity.
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Taste and textureTaste preferences can vary, but the flavor and texture of a grain will influence its popularity among consumers.
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Allergies and sensitivitiesSome grains may be more popular because they are less likely to cause allergies or intolerances among consumers.
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Environmentally sustainable productionWith growing concerns about the environmental impact of agriculture, grains that are more sustainable in terms of water usage, land cultivation, and other factors may become more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular grain. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or grain is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2134 views
- 240 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each grain once every 24 hours. The rank of each grain is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular grain
Grains have been a staple food for humans for thousands of years. They are a great source of nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins. With so many different types of grains, it can be tough to determine which one is the most popular. According to recent surveys and polls conducted on StrawPoll, the most popular grain among users is rice, followed closely by wheat and corn. Other popular grains include quinoa, oats, and barley. Each grain has its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Whether you prefer rice or quinoa, there's no denying the importance of grains in our daily lives.
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