National Wheat Day

A baker joyfully tossing wheat flour into the air while wearing a chef hat, smiley apron, and a rustic bakery setting.. — National wheat day illustration

Hey there, fellow wheat enthusiasts! Are you ready to celebrate National Wheat Day? Get your bread baskets ready because we're about to embark on a flour-filled journey that will leave you crumby with laughter and full of grainy knowledge.

When is Wheat Day?

It's national wheat day on the 20th April.

The Rise of National Wheat Day

Every April 20th, we come together to honor the hardworking farmers who dedicate their lives to growing the beloved wheat that plays a vital role in our lives. But how did this delightful celebration come to be?

Well, it all started in 2016 when the internet went bananas for wheat (figuratively speaking, of course). With 14 online mentions and social media platforms buzzing about it, National Wheat Day quickly became one of the most talked-about national days. People couldn't resist the opportunity to express their love for this staple food in creative and hilarious ways.

From bread-making competitions to wheat-themed parties, folks across the country embraced the day with open arms and flour-covered hands. Even those who couldn't tell the difference between a grain of wheat and a grain of rice joined in the celebration, eager to learn more about this fascinating crop.

Fun Wheat Facts That Will Leave You Feeling (Whole)Grainy

Did you know that wheat is not just for bread and pasta? It's also used in a wide variety of unexpected products, including cosmetics, medicines, and even playdough! So, the next time you're molding a masterpiece out of that squishy stuff, remember that you're playing with tiny grains of wheat power.

History behind the term 'Wheat'

8000 BC

Early cultivation of wheat

Wheat cultivation can be traced back to around 8000 BC in the Fertile Crescent region, which is now modern-day Turkey and Iraq. Early farmers experimented with different varieties of wild grasses and eventually developed primitive forms of wheat.

3000 BC

Domestication of wheat

Around 3000 BC, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia developed sophisticated farming techniques and began to cultivate wheat on a large scale. They selected and crossbred the plants to enhance desirable traits such as larger grains and better yield.

750 BC

Spread of wheat to Europe

Wheat gradually spread across Europe during the Iron Age, with the Celts and Greeks adopting it as a staple crop. The improved agricultural practices and cultivation methods led to increased production and the establishment of wheat as a key agricultural commodity.

1700s AD

Wheat in the New World

European settlers brought wheat to the New World during their expeditions. It quickly became an essential crop in North America, with regions like the Great Plains becoming known as the 'Breadbasket of the World' due to their vast wheat production.

1940s AD

Green Revolution and modern wheat varieties

The 1940s marked a turning point in wheat cultivation with the introduction of the Green Revolution. Scientists developed high-yielding wheat varieties through hybridization and genetic selection, significantly increasing global wheat production and helping to alleviate hunger in many parts of the world.