Amber Waves: The Extraordinary Biography of Wheat, from Wild Grass to World Megacrop

Wheat, a cereal whose humble origins belie its world-shaping power, has been cultivated for thousands of years by humans, creating a world of cuisines. Amber Waves explores the story of wheat, from its wild grass to a world-shaping crop, and its complex relationship with humans, from agriculture to gluten sensitivities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Wheat, a staple grain that we often take for granted, has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. Its humble origins as wild grass belie its immense power to transform the world. Amber Waves, a captivating biography, takes us on a journey to explore the origins of wheat, from its scattered stands in the foothills of the Middle East to its cultivation as a world-shaping crop.

Over thousands of years, our ancestors discovered the value of wheat as a source of food and began to cultivate it. They spread its seeds to all but the polar regions of Earth, slowly transforming it into the wheat we know today. This cultivation process led to the creation of a diverse world of cuisines, where wheat seeds serve as a staple food.

Wheat's global expansion was a testament to human ingenuity in producing enough food for ourselves and our communities. However, as ecologist Catherine Zabinski reveals, a biography of wheat goes beyond the story of plant success. It is also a story of human ingenuity in developing farming systems to grow massive quantities of food, resulting in one of our species' global mega crops.

However, this agricultural revolution has come at a great cost to ecological systems. We have perfected our farming practices to the point where we can produce vast amounts of food, but at the expense of the environment. The overuse of pesticides, fertilizers, and water has led to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.

Despite our vast capacity to grow food, undernourishment remains a pressing problem both close to home and around the world. Millions of people still struggle to access sufficient and nutritious food, leading to a range of health issues, including malnutrition, obesity, and diabetes.

Zabinski's tale weaves together history, evolution, and ecology to explore our complex relationship with our crops. It illuminates how we have transformed the plant species we use as food through selective breeding and genetic modification. It also sheds light on how our society and culture have changed in response to the need to secure food sources.

From the origins of agriculture to the rise of gluten sensitivities, from our first selection of the largest seeds to the modern-day challenges of sustainable agriculture, Wheat explores a wide range of topics. It raises important questions about our food choices, the impact of agriculture on the environment, and the role of science and technology in shaping our future.

In conclusion, Wheat is a captivating biography that sheds light on the humble origins and world-shaping power of wheat. It reminds us of the importance of taking a closer look at the foods we consume and the impact they have on our lives and the planet. By understanding the history and ecology of wheat, we can develop more sustainable and equitable food systems that nourish both people and the environment.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 127 x 203 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226820057