Echinochloa frumantacea, also known as barnyard millet, is a wild seed that is primarily cultivated in hilly regions of Uttaranchal, India. Under perfect weather circumstances, the barnyard millet, which grows the fastest, can yield ripe grains 45 days after sowing.
Shyama in Bengali, moraiyo in Gujarati, sanwa in Hindi, oodalu in Kannada, kuthiraivolly in Tamil, and udalu in Telugu are some of the additional names for barnyard millet.
Humans are not able to digest the tough cellulose husk layer that covers the millets. Hence the main step in processing these grains is to remove the outer husk layer. The rice of the corresponding millets is obtained after removal. Small barnyard millet seeds are processed into groats, which are subsequently used to make a variety of porridges.
When cooked, barnyard millet tastes nearly exactly like broken rice, hence the name "sanwa rice." Like long-grain rice, it does not separate into distinct grains. The millet grain is small, white, and spherical, larger than semolina (rawa), but shorter than sago (sabudana)
Because cereal grains are not used in India when fasting, barnyard millets are a common addition to fasting meals.
The barnyard millet is a nutritious grain that is superior to ordinary cereal grains like rice, wheat, and semolina (rawa), and it should never only be consumed during fasting days. It offers the advantages of millet grains, is widely accessible throughout India, is very affordable, and is a delicious food for all age categories. With the little wonder grain, a variety of meal preparations can be created quickly.
Benefits of Barnyard millet
Gluten Free Food:
The barnyard millet is gluten-free, just like all millets. It is a suitable food for people who have celiac disease or who want to follow a gluten-free diet that forbids eating anything made from wheat, barley, or rye. Because it is readily available, fast to prepare, and delicious, millet is an excellent, healthy substitute for rice, wheat, and other millets that are more difficult to find.
Good Iron Source:
Some types of barnyard millet have been found to contain high levels of iron, the richest of all millets and cereal grains, according to study on the nutritional content of millets. Vegetarians may find barnyard millet to be a useful source of iron.
Full of Fiber
With a good balance of soluble and insoluble fibre, it is a great source of dietary fibre. With 2.4 grammes of fibre per serve, the grain contains the most fibre when compared to many other grains and millets. A study that was published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that barnyard millet has a high (12.6%) concentration of dietary fibre, comprising both soluble (4.2%) and insoluble (8.4%) components. The high fibre content aids in reducing cramps, bloating, gas, and constipation.
Low in Calories
Barnyard millet is the least calorically dense of all the cereals and a rich source of highly digested protein. It is a grain that, when consumed, leaves one feeling light and energised. 25 grammes of raw barnyard millets provide 75 calories and 1.5 grammes of protein per serving.
Low Glycemic Index
Barnyard millet has a low glycemic index because its carbohydrate content is modest and it digests slowly. Millet's carbohydrates have a high level of amylase retrogradation, which promotes the creation of more resistant starch. Therefore, it might be suggested to individuals who have diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This millet is now one of the best foods for diabetes in the world.
