What does cereal mean?

The word "cereal" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are two common meanings:

1. Cereal Crops:

- In agriculture, cereal refers to certain types of grass cultivated for their edible starchy grains or seeds. Common cereals include wheat, rice, maize (corn), barley, oats, rye, etc.

- Cereals are grown for their seeds, which are harvested and processed to produce food products. Many breakfast cereals like cornflakes, oatmeals, etc., are derived from whole cereal grains.

2. Breakfast Cereal:

- In the context of breakfast, cereal often refers to processed food products primarily consumed as part of a morning meal.

- These breakfast cereals are made from various grains, such as wheat, oats, maize, rice, etc., and can come in different shapes, flavors, and textures. Examples include:

- Instant oatmeal or oat cereal

- Wheat biscuits or shredded wheat

- Flaked cereals like cornflakes

- Puffed or extruded cereals with different flavors (e.g., honey-nut cheerios)

- Granola cereal consisting of oats, nuts, and fruits