Scientists fear that we rely too much on only a few staple crops for our basic food supply. Our important food crops include rice, potatoes, wheat, maize, oats and barley. But these represent only a handful of species from all the many thousands of varieties of edible plants available for use. As the planet's population continues to grow, farmers need to grow more of these crops to feed the world's people. However, some botanists think there may be another solution. They say that alternative food plants may require less intensive cultivation and land use to provide us with

Researchers also stress that food production is a global rather than a regional issue. The International Panel on Climate Change already warns that food shortages are likely to be more common in the next 20 years. Increasing levels of drought are also threatening some of the world's most important cultivated areas. Important food-producing regions affected include southern Europe, Western Australia, South Africa, the Middle East and central parts of the USA.

With rice shortages and rocketing grain prices, experts are anxious to provide solutions to this already massive problem. Most agree that growing alternative crops can be a big part of the answer. So what are the foods of the future? What can we expect to eat in decades to come? Here are just a few of the crops that the experts are now recommending:

Tamarind
The fruit of this multi-purpose tropical tree is commonly used as a spice. While still young, the fruit's hard green pulp is often eaten as part of a savoury dish. When ripe, the tamarind fruit makes a deliciously sweet and nutritious snack or is used in cooking. The tamarind is widely grown in places such as Mexico, India and parts of Malaysia.

Amaranth
This food crop is well-established in parts of Africa where it is used in traditional cooking. However, amaranth is also a highly adaptable plant. As a grain crop, the plant contains up to 30% more protein than other cereals. Amaranth also contains vital vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin A and C. In parts of Asia, Amaranth leaves are often made into a delicious soup.


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