Information about Millets
| Millet Name (English) | Millet Name (Hindi) | Category 1 | Category 2 | Nutritional Value | Health Benefits | Can be used whole? | Can it be used as flour? | Can be used as flour? | Dishes in flour form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ragi | Ragi, Mandua | Major Millet | Finger Millet | Rich in protein, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and antioxidants | Diabetes management, digestive health, bone health, gluten-free | Yes | Ragi Mudde, Ragi Dosa, Ragi Roti | Yes | Ragi Idli, Ragi Pesarattu, Ragi Halwa |
| Bajra | Bajra | Major Millet | Pearl Millet | High in protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins | Diabetes management, weight management, cardiovascular health, gluten-free | Yes | Bajra Roti, Bajra Khichdi, Bajra Cheela | Yes | Bajra Roti, Bajra Bhakri, Bajra Ladoo |
| Jowar | Jowar, Cholam | Major Millet | Sorghum | Rich in dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus | Digestive health, blood sugar control, cholesterol management, gluten-free | Yes | Jowar Roti, Jowar Bhakri, Jowar Cheela | Yes | Jowar Roti, Jowar Dosa, Jowar Upma |
| Foxtail Millet | Kangni, Thinai | Minor Millet | Foxtail Millet | High in protein, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and B vitamins | Diabetes management, digestive health, bone health, gluten-free | Yes | Kangni Khichdi, Kangni Pongal, Kangni Cheela | Yes | Kangni Dosa, Kangni Roti, Kangni Halwa |
| Kodo Millet | Kodo, Varagu | Minor Millet | Kodo Millet | Rich in protein, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and antioxidants | Diabetes management, gluten-free, digestive health, weight management | Yes | Kodo Khichdi, Kodo Roti, Kodo Idli | Yes | Kodo Roti, Kodo Dosa, Kodo Paniyaram |
| Barnyard Millet | Sanwa, Oodalu | Minor Millet | Barnyard Millet | High in protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus | Diabetes management, gluten-free, digestive health, blood pressure control | Yes | Sanwa Khichdi, Sanwa Roti, Sanwa Cheela | Yes | Sanwa Roti, Sanwa Dosa, Sanwa Upma |
Note: This table is not exhaustive and includes some of the most popular millets in India. There are many other millet varieties with their own unique properties and culinary uses.
Additional Information:
- Whole millets require longer cooking time compared to their flours.
- Soaking millet before cooking can reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility.
- Germinating millets further increases their nutritional value.
- Experimenting with different spices and flavorings can make millet dishes more enjoyable.