The subject matter in the first place is clearly connected with the elements, as we see from the preceding passages. In describing the creative order we cannot jump from water to cereals without having the earth. The creative order referred to is in regard to the elements. Therefore Anna should refer to an element and not food. Here, the reference to colour expressly indicates that the earth is meant by Anna .
Black colour agrees with earth.
The predominant colour of earth is black. Eatable things such as cooked dishes, rice, barley and the like are not necessarily black. The Pauranikas also designate the colour of the earth by the term night . The night is black. We, therefore, conclude that black is the colour of earth, also.