Article 13: Millets: India's Ancient Grain Meets Modern Food Innovation

Millets are among the oldest cultivated crops in human history, and India is one of the world's largest producers. After decades in the shadow of rice and wheat, they are now returning to the spotlight.

A Brief History

Millets have been grown across the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. They were staple foods in many regions: ragi in Karnataka, bajra in Rajasthan and Gujarat, jowar across Maharashtra and the Deccan. Their resilience made them dependable crops in dry regions.

Common Types of Millets

● Ragi (finger millet): valued for its calcium content

● Jowar (sorghum): mild and versatile

● Bajra (pearl millet): hearty and warming

● Foxtail millet (kangni/thinai): lightly sweet

● Little millet (kutki/samai): delicate and quick cooking

● Barnyard millet (sanwa): often eaten during fasting

Why the Revival?

Several factors are converging:

● Nutrition: fibre, minerals and naturally gluten-free grains

● Climate resilience: strong performance in dry, poor-soil conditions with low water needs

● Heritage: growing pride in traditional food

● Global attention: the UN's International Year of Millets in 2023 amplified awareness. See Why Is Millet Becoming a Global Food Trend?

Millets in Modern Food

Innovation has moved millets far beyond roti and porridge:

● Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and snacks

● Millet noodles, pasta and baking mixes

● Cookies, cakes and energy bars

● Frozen desserts and vegan ice cream

Why Millets Work in Desserts

Millets have a mild, slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with chocolate, fruit and spices. As a base, they provide starch and body, which helps in creating a smooth, creamy texture without dairy.

Challenges

● Perception: some consumers still see millets as "old-fashioned" or rural food.

● Processing: turning grains into smooth, consistent products takes technical skill.

● Taste expectations: modern products must be delicious first, healthy second.

Brands that respect the ingredient while meeting modern tastes are helping to change that perception.

The SIRI Perspective

SIRI was built around the idea that a heritage grain deserves a modern, premium expression. Read more in From Millet to Ice Cream: The SIRI Story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all millets gluten-free?

Millets are naturally gluten-free, but check labels for cross-contamination in processing.

Can millets replace rice or wheat?

They can complement or replace them in many dishes.