Grains you'd rather not eat? NYT

The crossword clue "Grains you'd rather not eat?" with the answer "SAND" refers to small, granulated food items, like rice or wheat. However, sand consists of tiny particles or grains of rock, which are certainly not edible and are generally undesirable as food.

The humor lies in the juxtaposition of the word "grains," typically associated with something healthy and nutritious, with sand, a substance we usually associate with beaches or construction.

The crossword clue "Grains you'd rather not eat?" with the answer "SALT" refers to seasoning that should be used sparingly. The clue cleverly highlights the idea that while salt enhances flavor, consuming it in excessive amounts can be unhealthy.

Thus, the humor and wit of the clue come from the juxtaposition of the concept of "grains" with something that, while common in cooking, is not part of a grain-based diet.

The crossword clue "Grains you'd rather not eat?" with the answer "CEMENT" refers to food items like rice or oats, cement is a granular material used in construction. The humor lies in the fact that, unlike edible grains, cement is definitely not something you would want to consume.

The clue cleverly contrasts the concept of grains we enjoy eating with an industrial substance that serves a completely different purpose, emphasizing that some grains are definitely better left uneaten.

The crossword clue "Grains you'd rather not eat?" with the answer "PEAT" refers to organic material composed of partially decayed plant matter, found in wetlands, and it is often used as a soil amendment or fuel.

While it has a granular texture, peat is certainly not food and is not something anyone would want to eat. The humor in the clue arises from the juxtaposition of the word "grains," which typically evokes thoughts of nutritious foods, with peat, highlighting the idea that not all grains are suitable for consumption.