wheat
Japanese Name:
小麦
Romaji Name:
komugi
Description
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Wheat is a cereal grain that is grown worldwide and used to make flour for bread, pasta, and many other foods. It is one of the most important staple crops and provides a major source of carbohydrates for people.
History
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Wheat is believed to have been first cultivated in the Fertile Crescent (Middle East) about 10,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest domesticated crops in human history. Ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt relied on wheat as a staple food, and it spread to Europe and Asia through trade and migration.
In Japan, wheat (komugi) was introduced from China around the Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE), mainly used in porridge and simple cakes. However, rice remained the dominant staple food for centuries. Wheat consumption increased during the Edo period (1603–1868) with the rise of noodles such as udon and soba. After the Meiji period (1868–1912), bread and other Western-style foods became more common. Today, wheat is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine and daily diet alongside rice.