Barnyard millet (Sanwa)

Millets, small seeded grasses, are highly nutritious and even outperform basic cereals like rice and wheat in many nutrients. These provide essential nutrients such as niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and potassium. Barnyard millets (Echinochloa frumentacea) are considered small millets yet have high nutritional value and antioxidant activity. Barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta) is a very nutritious crop with climate-resilient properties. Barnyard millets (Echinochloa esculenta) are a diverse species of small-seeded grasses cultivated globally as cereal crops and fodder. Millets belong to the grass family Poaceae, specifically the subfamily Panicoideae. Millet grain contains around 65% carbohydrate, primarily in the form of non-starchy polysaccharides and dietary fiber. These nutrients aid in constipation prevention, cholesterol reduction, and slow glucose release during digestion. Barnyard millet includes 6.2g of protein, 65.5g of carbohydrates, 2.2g of fat, 9.8g of crude fiber, 4.4g of mineral matter, 11g of calcium, 280 mg of phosphorus, 15.0 mg of iron, and 51-62% starch. Adding millets to refined wheat flour can enhance the nutritional value of bread and other goods while also altering the flour’s functionality. Barnyard millet (Echinochloa species) is the oldest millet crop grown in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, including India, China, Japan, and Korea. Barnyard millet, also called Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa crus-galli), Barnyard millet (Echinochloa colona) is an ancient grain that is grown in warm and temperate regions, mainly in India, China, Japan, and Korea. Other names for it include cockspur grass, sawa millet, prickly millet, Korean native millet, and watergrass. Around 250 annual and perennial species of Echinochloa are cultivated in all agroclimatic zones across the globe. Barnyard millet, also known as Swank or Shyama, is a millet crop that grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as six weeks. A useful food crop with a high vitamin and antioxidant content is barnyard millet. It is perfect for usage in health foods because it is also devoid of gluten.

Kingdom:        Plantae

Order:              Poales

Family:            Poaceae

Genus:             Echinochloa

Species:           frumentacea

• Vernacular Name: Sanwa (Hindi), Oodalu (Kannada), Kavadapullu (Malayalam), Kuthiravali (Tamil), Udalu (Telugu), and Kira (Oriya).
• Origin: Barnyard millet is mentioned in ancient Indian literature. It has been farmed in China for about 2,000 years. Some researchers believe that barnyard millet originated in Central Asia. It migrated from Central Asia to Europe and the Americas. Barnyard millet is a traditional rice alternative in the Indian Himalayan region. After being cooked, the grains are dehulled and eaten like rice. Uttarakhand’s traditional sweet food is called madirakikheer, or barnyard millet porridge. Barnyard millet is used in classic southern Indian meals including idli, dosa, and chakli.
• Plant parts: Crops are harvested once a year. Culms are sturdy and upright, standing 1–1.5 m tall. The soft and linear leaf blades, measuring 15–40 × 1-2.4 cm, have smooth, glabrous sheaths. The margins are thickening and wavy. The racemes are curved, simple, and tightly spaced, and they overlap the inflorescence, which is upright, lanceolate, and 10–20 cm tall, with a strong axis coated with tubercle-like hairs. Greenish, tardily deciduous, plump, ovate-elliptic to rotund, 2.5–3.5 mm, pubescent to hispid, and awnless spikelets; the top glume is slightly shorter than the bottom glume; the upper lemma is 2-3 mm and sterile, while the lower lemma is 1/3–2/5 as long as the spikelet. Caryopsis lasts a long time before dropping. Flowering and fruiting occur from August to September: 2n = 36, 54.
• Functional properties:
  • Nutritional Composition: Barnyard millet is rich in essential nutrients, containing approximately 7.7 grams of protein, 67 grams of carbohydrates, and 7.6 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams. It is particularly noted for its high iron content (around 9.3 mg) and moderate calcium levels (about 17 mg), which are crucial for various bodily functions, including the prevention of anemia and supporting bone health.
  • High Fiber Content: The substantial fiber content in barnyard millet aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This high fiber content contributes to improved gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, as well as reducing the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Low Glycemic Index: With a low glycemic index (approximately 41.7), barnyard millet is an excellent food choice for individuals with diabetes. Its complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber help control blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption, making it a suitable substitute for high-glycemic grains like rice and wheat.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Barnyard millet contains various phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, which provide antioxidant benefits. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
  • Heart Health: Regular consumption of barnyard millet is associated with improved heart health. Its high fiber content can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Additionally, the presence of magnesium in barnyard millet contributes to better blood pressure regulation.
  • Gluten-Free: Barnyard millet is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This characteristic broadens its appeal as a nutritious alternative to gluten-containing grains.