Native to parts of North Africa, the small-seeded species of cereal crop called millet and its consumption have been known since the pre-historic times. In fact, there has even been referral of this form of grain in the Holy book of Bible, as a major component of unleavened bread. It, however, does not form any taxonomic group and its different varieties are classified together on the basis of their function or agronomic use. Millet grains are available for most parts of the year, both in their hulled forms and as whole grains. They are generally round in shape and come in different colors, like red, white, yellow and grey. Today, the leading commercial producers of this variety of cereal grain are India, Nigeria and China. Apart from its various benefits and uses from the culinary perspective, millet is a good source of some very essential nutrients like manganese and magnesium. A look at the Food Rating Chart given below will give you a better idea of the nutritional value of millet.

 

Amount of Millet: 1 cup

Total Weight of Millet: 200 grams