Archetype of a Grain

The grains are the most balanced food in regard to the principle of the threefold plant because each their kernel contains the characteristics of all three parts of a plant. For that reason cereals are not one-sided seeds, or one-sided roots, or one-sided leaves, but they contain all three parts in a harmonious proportion – the root in the outer coat, the leaf in the starchy endosperm and the seed in the germ of the grain kernel.

Introductory Reading:

♦ PRINCIPLE OF THREEFOLD PLANT

Although grains are seeds we do not count them in the Flower–Fruit–Seed group when we compose a meal according to the threefold principle. If we compare the composition of the grain kernel with that of a plant, we can see the threefold structure in both of them. As each part of the plant has different inner structure and composition of substances so it is the case with grain kernels. If we compare a grain kernel with a plant we can find the following relations:

• The outer layer (also called seed coat) is the Root part because it is the most fibrous and mineralized part of the grain as is the case with the root in relation to the whole plant. [1] In both cases we find cellulose as its main substance. The outer layer is the main source of dietary fibre and minerals in the grain (called bran in nutrition).
• The endosperm is the Leaf part of the grain, as it consists mainly of starch which is created in the leaves through the process of photosynthesis. For example, the wheat endosperm is composed of 87% starch and only 8% protein (the rest is fibre). [2]
• The germ is the Seed inside the grain kernel, because it is out of this part that the new plant starts to sprout and grow. Although it is the smallest part of the grain kernel it has the highest percentage of proteins and it is the main source of fats. These substances came into existence in the seeds of plants and therefore are dominant in them.

A pure grain dish – such as bread, porridge, muesli, or cooked rice (just with some dairy products and condiments) – is therefore already a balanced meal in regard to the principle of the threefold plant. Of course, this is true only if we use whole grains!

This archetype is not valid for buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa and similar seeds which don't belong to the grass family as the cereals do. These seeds are listed in the group Flower-Fruit-Seed when we compose a meal in accordance with the principle of the threefold plant.

   NOTES

1. In the case of some grains, such as wheat or spelt, there are in fact several fibrous layers enveloping the kernels, but they are so thin that we can distinguish them only under the microscope. This envelope should not be confused with the husk (or hull) which is the envelope holding the grain seeds in spikes. Husks need to be removed for human consumption (after removal they are referred to as chaff and used mainly for animal fodder).
2. Source: Wikipedia/Cereal Germ, November 2011