What are Millets? Types of Millets and More

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are highly nutritious and drought-tolerant crops, making them ideal for growing in challenging climates. Millets are also a good source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in millets due to their health benefits and sustainability. Six of the most popular millets are ragi, barnyard, little millet, foxtail, proso, and kodo.

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a staple food in many parts of India and Africa. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber. Ragi is also gluten-free, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Ragi can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Barnyard millet is a small, round millet that is native to India. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Barnyard millet is also gluten-free.

Barnyard millet can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Little millet, also known as kuthiraivali, is a small, round millet that is native to India. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber. Little millet is also gluten-free.

Little millet can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Foxtail millet is a small, oval-shaped millet that is native to Asia. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Foxtail millet is also gluten-free.

Foxtail millet can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Proso millet, also known as broomcorn millet, is a small, round millet that is native to Asia. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Proso millet is also gluten-free.

Proso millet can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Kodo millet is a small, round millet that is native to India. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber. Kodo millet is also gluten-free.

Kodo millet can be cooked into a variety of dishes, including porridge, roti, and pancakes. It can also be used to make fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Millets can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and pressure cooking. To cook millets, simply rinse them in water and then add them to a pot of boiling water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the millets are cooked through.

Once the millets are cooked, you can eat them as is or use them to make a variety of dishes. Millets can be used to make porridge, roti, pancakes, and even fermented foods such as idli and dosa.

Millets are a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Millets are also gluten-free, making them a good option for people with celiac disease.