ABSTRACT
Cereals are one-seeded fruits of the Gramineae family designed to store nutrients critically important for the perpetuation of the species. Kernels are protected by physical barriers and chemical compounds against external biotic agents. Nevertheless, the different genus, species, and types differ in their grains’ physical, chemical, and morphological characteristics. These features are also affected by the environment, especially during maturation in the field, and by storage conditions. The main criteria used to select grains for specific uses are related to their physical properties because they affect chemical composition, functionality, and end use.
