Green-Yellow Millet

Green millet, commonly known as bajra or pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), is a vital staple cereal in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India, as well as an important forage crop in the Americas. Bajra is one of the most widely cultivated varieties of millet, with significant production in Africa and India. In India, the largest producers of bajra are the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Once considered primarily as 'bird food,' pearl millets now come in a variety of delicious flavors and are recognized for their nutritional value. Rich in essential minerals and nutrients, millet provides numerous health benefits. As one of the oldest known foods, millet may have been the first cereal grain used for domestic purposes, and today it ranks as the sixth most important grain in the world.

Bajra flour is made from the small, round grains of black millet. These tiny, round grains can vary in color, including white, gray, yellow, or red. When bajra is ripe and ready for harvest, the plants are cut, bundled, and dried. The grains are then separated from the bundles through threshing, dried further, and processed into flour. The resulting flour is grayish in color with a slightly nutty flavor, and it is commonly used in winter due to its heat-producing properties.

Millet is used in various cultures for a range of culinary applications. It serves as a cereal, is added to soups, and is used to make dense, whole-grain bread like chapatti. In India, flatbreads known as roti are often made from millet flour and serve as a staple component of meals. Millet is high in protein and provides a well-balanced profile of amino acids, making it important for metabolism.

Health Benefits:

Millet is packed with essential nutrients like methionine (an amino acid), B complex vitamins (niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin), folic acid, lecithin, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, which contribute to various health benefits. Niacin helps lower cholesterol levels, while magnesium supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Millet is also a better source of iron compared to other grains, helping to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels and prevent anemia. Regular consumption of millet may offer protection against breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. Additionally, millet provides a moderate amount of thiamine (vitamin B1), which aids in improving blood circulation and supporting the nervous system.

As a good source of magnesium, millet acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions. Consuming pearl millet can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.