WOYM - Wheat: The Grain at the Center of Civilization

Wheat's On Your Mind

In this special episode, Aaron Harries speaks with renowned food historian Rachel Laudan about the deep roots of wheat in human civilization.  Growing up on a farm near Stonehenge, Rachel’s unique background—combined with her expertise in history, science, and philosophy—provides a rich and thoughtful perspective on how wheat shaped the rise of empires, economies, and everyday life.  Rachel unpacks how early humans learned to transform difficult, scratchy seeds into food, why processing grain was historically women's labor, and how wheat became the backbone of global nutrition and political power. From ancient metates in Mesoamerica to the industrial roller mills of the 19th century, this conversation dives deep into the story of how wheat evolved from a wild seed to a symbol of civilization.  Rachel also sheds light on the politics of white bread, the muscle power of grain grinders, and how wheat’s utility in food security shaped empires from Rome to modern America. Key Takeaways Early grain consumption dates back 20,000+ years—far before formal agriculture. Processing grain into edible food required intense physical labor, mostly done by women. Ancient civilizations relied on stored grain for year-round sustenance. Gluten in wheat allowed for more diverse and appealing food products. Wheat became a preferred grain in major empires due to its versatility and storability. White bread historically symbolized wealth and status. Industrial roller mills drastically reduced bread costs in the 1800s. Governments worldwide encouraged wheat consumption for perceived health benefits. Wheat has played a central role in food aid and international stability. The importance of harvest and grain supply remains as vital today as ever. Timestamps 00:01 – Introduction and Rachel's background 03:17 – Why Rachel focused on food history 05:41 – The challenges of early grain use 07:38 – Human labor behind grain processing 10:04 – Women's role in grain grinding 12:16 – Rise of wheat as the preferred grain 14:19 – Bread types across empires 17:41 – Wheat and political stability 21:44 – Industrialization and global wheat demand 22:53 – Wheat in food aid and global security 25:06 – Rewriting women’s history through food 26:21 – Personal memories of harvest season   Kansas Wheat WheatsOnYorMind.com