Food Material and Sources

Food comes from a variety of sources, including plants and animals. Plants are a source of food for many people because they can be grown and harvested for their fruit, vegetables, grains, and nuts. Animals, such as cows, chickens, and pigs, can also be raised for their meat, milk, and eggs. Fishermen and women also catch fish and seafood from the oceans, rivers, and lakes to be used as a source of food. Finally, food can also be manufactured or processed from raw ingredients, such as flour and sugar, to create a variety of products, such as bread, pasta, and snack foods.

PLANT PARTS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS AS FOOD

Plants and animals are both important sources of food for people. Many different parts of plants can be used as food, including the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit. Examples of plant parts that are commonly eaten include:

• Roots: carrots, potatoes, beets
• Leaves: lettuce, spinach, kale
• Stems: asparagus, celery
• Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower
• Fruit: apples, bananas, berries

In addition to these parts of plants, grains, such as wheat, rice, and corn, are also important sources of food for many people around the world. Grains can be ground into flour to make bread, pasta, and other foods.

Animal products that are commonly consumed as food include meat, milk, and eggs. Different types of animals are raised for their meat, including cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. Milk is produced by mammals, such as cows, goats, and sheep, and is used to make a variety of dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter. Eggs are produced by birds, such as chickens, and are a popular source of protein for many people.