About Millets

Millets are the traditional staple foods in dry land regions of the country. Millets are termed as Nutri-cereals, since they are highly nutritious cereals and contribute substantially for food and nutritional security of the consumers. Millets are a groups of cereal food grain crop which are small seeded, adapted to cultivation over a range of tropical and subtropical climates, can be grown with very low inputs. Major millets crops are included Sorghum (ज्वारी), Pearl millet (बाजरी), Barnyard (भगर), Proso (वरई), Kodo (कोद्रा), Little (सावा), Finger millet (नाचणी), Foxtail millet (राळ), Browntop millet (सामा).

History

The exact origin is not known but research says millet was most likely cultivated simultaneously in Asia and Africa over 7000 years ago.

It has been a staple in India and Africa for thousands of years. In the Old Testament millet is mentioned as a grain for making bread.

Chinese archaeologists found a 4000-year-old bowl containing long noodles made from millets. The earliest written record of millet, “Fan Shen Chih Shu” 2800 BC, gives detailed instructions for growing and storing the grain.

There is even evidence that millet was eaten and grown in the Stone Age in Switzerland.

Millet first came to the U.S. in 1875, was consumed and grown by early setters like corn, then fell into obscurity

Health Benefits of Millets:

Millet provides a host of nutrients, has a sweet nutty flavor, and is considered to be one of the most digestible and non-allergenic grains available. It is one of the few grains that are alkalizing to the body. Most people have not even heard of millet, much less understand the benefits of millet nutrition. And yet, millet is one of the best- kept secrets of our ancient ancestors. Traced back to its origin in China, India, Greece, Egypt and Africa, used in everything from bread to couscous and as cereals grain. Millet is even mentioned as a treasured crop in the bible. This tiny “grain” is gluten-free and packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, while it’s often called a grain because if it’s grains like consistency, millet is a seed. It’s often used in birdseed mixture, but if you think it’s just for birds, you’re missing out on important benefits of millet nutrition for yourself! Millet is one of the four gluten free grain-like seeds on the Body Ecology program.