Flax is grown for its seeds, which can be ground into a meal or turned into linseed oil, a product used as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in many wood-finishing products. Flax is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Moreover, flax fibers are used to make linen.

Why was grain so important to ancient Egypt?

Grain was the important crop the ancient Egyptians grew because they used it to make food such as porridge, bread and beer. In Egyptian Farming, grain was the first crop to be grown after the flooding season (also known as the Season of the Inundation).

Where did ancient Egyptians get flax?

Flax, which in ancient Egypt appears to have grown to about waist height, according to depictions, was harvested by pulling from the ground, often when still green. Afterwards it was probably soaked in water, in principle the same process that is known in the modern industry as “retting”.