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Millets

Also Known As : Mixed millets
Technical Name : Panicum miliaceuem or Setaria italica
MySmartKitchenTM 2

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

They are earthy in taste and tend to have a slight chewy texture.

Usage Tips

  1. Like all grains, before cooking millet, wash it thoroughly under running water and then separate any dirt or debris.
  2. Cooked millet can be served as a breakfast porridge to which nuts and fruits can be added.
  3. Ground millet can normally be added to bread and muffin recipes.
  4. They can be used to prepare alcoholic beverages.
  5. Millets should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place, where it will keep for several months.

Common names and forms

  1. Millet
  2. Mixed Millet Khichadi
  3. Natural Millet

Description

Millet is a plant that is similar to grass,whose seeds can be eaten. They are widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains. They are tiny in size and round in shape and can be white, gray, yellow or red in color. It is a grain whose consistency differ depending upon cooking method. Millets can be creamy like mashed potatoes or fluffy like rice. There are many types of millets like pearl millet (Bajra), finger millet (Ragi, Machani, Mundua, Mandua), proso millet (Barri or Chena), foxtail millet (Kangni, Kakum), Sorghum (Jowar), Barnyard millet (Jhangora), Kodo millet (Kodra or Kodon) and Little Millet (Kutki). They are available throughout the year. It is thought to have originated in North Africa, specifically in Ethiopia. It is widely consumed in Asia as well.

Health benefits

  • Millets are a rich source of magnesium, which is an essential mineral for reducing blood pressure and also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.(1)
  • They contain high amount of fiber, that helps to control cholesterol levels.(1)
  • They also helps to reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes.(1)
  • Millets helps to remove the problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramping.(1)
  • They are a rich source of phenols and antioxidants, which helps to detoxify the body.(1)
  • Millets have both fibres and phytonutrients, the combination of which is believed to lessen the risk of developing colon cancer.(2)

Selection Guide

Millets are normally available in its hulled and whole-grain form. They are available packaged as well as in bulk. Whether buying millets in bulk or in a packaged form, always make sure that there is no evidence of moisture.

Note

Millets contain goitrogens. It is a substance that suppress thyroid activity and can lead to goiter. Goiter may causes dry skin, anxiety and depression.(3)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/health-benefits-of-millet.html

(2) https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-millet-and-its-side-effects

(3) https://appreciategoods.com/millet/

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”