ABSTRACT
This book chapter addresses the application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to the cereal grains. Modern-day NIR spectroscopy has its origin in grain analysis, starting with research conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in the early 1960s. Since this time, the technology has branched out to many other industries, including food, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and natural resources, yet its affiliation with the grain industry continues to be substantial. The chapter illuminates the basis for grain NIR spectroscopy while emphasizing the developments of the past decade, namely in the areas of spectral imaging, food quality, and food safety.
