Millets are one of the oldest cereal crop grown by ancient humans. Now a days these millets are gaining a lot of popularity. The question arises why are millets gaining popularity?
High nutritional value of millets is making it popular globally. Let’s look into other reasons for this popularity of millets:
- Nutritional Value: Millets are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits. They are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and have a low glycemic index, making them a healthy alternative to traditional grains.
- Gluten-Free: With the increasing prevalence of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergy, people are turning towards gluten-free alternatives. Millets are naturally gluten-free and are an excellent food for people with such conditions.
- Sustainability: Millets are a sustainable crop that requires less water and can grow in harsh environmental conditions. They are also pest-resistant and can grow without the need for synthetic fertilizers, making them an eco-friendly crop.
- Food Security: Millets are a low-cost crop that can provide food security to millions of people in developing countries. With the growing concern over food security and the need for sustainable agriculture, millets are gaining importance.
- Culinary Versatility: Millets can be used in a wide range of dishes, including porridge, bread, pancakes, and even alcoholic beverages. They are also available in various forms such as whole grains, flakes, or flour, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
Overall, millets are gaining importance due to their nutritional value, sustainability, and versatility in the kitchen. They are also an excellent alternative to traditional grains, providing a low-cost and sustainable food source. Millets can be cooked like rice, boiled, roasted, or ground into flour to make bread, porridge, and other dishes. They are widely consumed in India, Africa, and other parts of the world, and are gaining popularity as a healthy and sustainable food option in Western countries as well.