Wheat is one of the world's most widely cultivated plants, together with maize and rice. Wheat is a very old cereal species, although it arrived in Finland only during the 20th century. 

Wheat requires a long and warm growing season. Like rye, it can be planted both during the spring and during the autumn. 

The health effects of wheat depend on which parts of the cereal's grain are used. If the outer parts of the grain are removed (to create white flour), many important nutrients are also lost. Whole-grain wheat is healthier than purified, white wheat flour. 

Wheat is used to produce many kinds of products, such as flours, bran, flakes and couscous. Wheat is the most common cereal in white bread, as it produces a fluffy texture to the bread. Many types of pasta (such as macaroni and spaghetti) are also made from wheat. 

Celiacs cannot eat wheat because it contains gluten. ​