Millet is Great and Gluten Free

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Millet is a family of crops that have been widely grown around the world for several thousand years.  They can be grown in areas that are at risk of drought.  India is the world's top producer of millet.  Eight of the top ten countries in the world in terms of millet production are in Africa.  China is the only other Asian country apart from India, in the top ten.

Millet provides 11% protein by weight, almost like wheat.  Millet varieties are rich in niacin, B6, folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Millet can be cooked and eaten like other grains.  Millet flour is used to make flat bread.  Millets contain no gluten and are not suitable for raised bread.  Some varieties of millet are used as fodder for animals or as bird-feed.  Alcoholic drinks are also brewed using Millet in some countries.  Millet is an interesting grain to incorporate into your diet.