Marketing or Science
There is some confusion over what constitutes an ancient grain. Although the Whole Grains Council defines ancient grains loosely as grains that are largely unchanged over the last several hundred years, no clear definition exists. The term seems to be a marketing construct with little basis in history or science.
Many of the commodities which are categorised as ancient grains are, in fact, no older than grains such as wheat or oats.
If we look at what has changed and what has not changed, the picture becomes somewhat clearer. Despite having roots going back into antiquity, modern common varieties of wheat, rice and corn are not ancient grains. These modern grains are products of thousands of years of selective breeding for rapid growth and easier milling.
In contrast, the pseudo-grain, amaranth is a good example of what is considered an ancient grain. It was a staple of the Aztec civilisation prior to colonisation. Following the Spanish conquest, cultivation of the crop was outlawed. Having largely maintained its genetic base, amaranth was recovered from wild varieties in the 20th century; it is now cultivated commercially and considered an ancient grain.
Classifications
Commodities commonly classified as ancient grains largely fall into one or more of the following three different categories:
- Grains that have not been significantly changed through breeding or other means since they were first cultivated;
- Heirloom varieties of commonly cultivated grains; and
- Grains and pseudo-grains that have not been a part of the Western diets until relatively recently.
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Najeeb is a Partner at Farrelly & Mitchell’s Riyadh office. Clients in Saudi Arabia and across the region gain from his excellent track record and expertise in agri-food manufacturing and processing as well as supply chain and risk management.
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Ancient Grains - A Rising Trend
Ancient grains have taken the healthy food scene by storm. But what are ancient grains? And are they really better than your usual grains?

Marketing or Science
There is some confusion over what constitutes an ancient grain. Although the Whole Grains Council defines ancient grains loosely as grains that are largely unchanged over the last several hundred years, no clear definition exists. The term seems to be a marketing construct with little basis in history or science.
Many of the commodities which are categorised as ancient grains are, in fact, no older than grains such as wheat or oats.
If we look at what has changed and what has not changed, the picture becomes somewhat clearer. Despite having roots going back into antiquity, modern common varieties of wheat, rice and corn are not ancient grains. These modern grains are products of thousands of years of selective breeding for rapid growth and easier milling.
In contrast, the pseudo-grain, amaranth is a good example of what is considered an ancient grain. It was a staple of the Aztec civilisation prior to colonisation. Following the Spanish conquest, cultivation of the crop was outlawed. Having largely maintained its genetic base, amaranth was recovered from wild varieties in the 20th century; it is now cultivated commercially and considered an ancient grain.
Classifications
Commodities commonly classified as ancient grains largely fall into one or more of the following three different categories:
- Grains that have not been significantly changed through breeding or other means since they were first cultivated;
- Heirloom varieties of commonly cultivated grains; and
- Grains and pseudo-grains that have not been a part of the Western diets until relatively recently.
To download the full insight, click here

Najeeb is a Partner at Farrelly & Mitchell’s Riyadh office. Clients in Saudi Arabia and across the region gain from his excellent track record and expertise in agri-food manufacturing and processing as well as supply chain and risk management.
Subcribe today
Stay up to date with the latest agribusiness blog, Insights, and more sent straight to your inbox.
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