As previously mentioned, millets are a family of grain that comes from long grass found across semi-arid tropical climates such as India, Nigeria, and Mali. They are small seeds and can be used in an array of different foods. Popular species of millets include; foxtail millet, pearl millet, and proso millet.
Then, what is millet and how is it made?
Millet is a small cereal grain that belongs to the grass family. Resilient in harsh environments, it’s commonly cultivated in Asian and African countries. Like most cereals, millet is a starchy grain — meaning that it’s rich in carbs. Notably, it also packs several vitamins and minerals ( 4 ). One cup (174 grams) of cooked millet packs ( 7 ):.
What is the scientific name of millet?
This millet goes by the scientific name Setaria italica. Although China was first to make Foxtail millet staple, it later cultivated and consumed in the European and Asian region. Of the millets used in India, foxtail millets are still a staple today.
When we were writing we ran into the query “What are organic millets?”.
Organic millets are gluten-free crops with incredible nutrient-rich composition. They are a rich source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium. In addition to their nutritional value, different types of millets have different tastes and textures.
Where do millets grow?
Millets are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger), with 97% of millet production in developing countries.
The crop is favored due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperature conditions. Millets are indigenous to many parts of the world. The most widely grown millet is pearl millet, which is an important crop in India and parts of Africa.
Which is the most widely grown millet in India?
Pearl millet is the most widely grown type of millet and India is largest producer of pearl millet. Pearl millet is a rich source of phosphorus, which plays an important part in the structure of body cells.
Are millet seeds the same as bird food?
Millet seeds or “sprays” containing seeds are often sold as bird food, but these come in many varieties and may not be reliably labeled.
How to choose the best millets for a healthy diet?
Opt for organic millets if you are planning to include them in your diet since they are not only good for your body but also the environment. There are ten types of millets available in the market, including Sorghum, Finger Millet, Pearl Millet, Foxtail millet, Proso/Broomcorn millet, and Buckwheat.