An interesting approach to a broad and complex subject, Ingrained examines the cultural, spatial and temporal relationships between man and his largest primary food source. Although primarily concerned with Australian environments, producers, processors, consumers and markets, the authors successfully integrate local considerations into a global perspective. From the first page, the message of how important the entire wheat crop (not just the grain) has become in shaping our everyday lives is vividly and skilfully expressed.

From the origins of modern wheat in the Middle East some 7500 years ago, through to modern plant breeding technologies, the writers describe how the wheat plant has evolved and adapted to provide a close fit with man's environment: from the creation of modern wheat varieties; through farming practices; to food industry transformations, agronomic, nutritional, cultural and financial issues are addressed equally. Once the reader has got used to a slightly quirky writing style that introduces new words to the English language to help illustrate the writers’ concepts, reading Ingrained becomes an enjoyable experience.

Overall, the book lies somewhere between a highly educational text and an intriguing work of non-fiction. It provides a fascinating insight into the manner in which wheat is integrated into our everyday lives. It is recommended to any member of the public with an interest in the role of wheat in society – and how it got there – as well as to the many industry professionals that would benefit from a broader knowledge of the manner in which the modern day wheat industry has evolved.