5 ancient grains that deserve a spot in your diet
What's the story
African grains offer a rich variety of options for vegetarians looking to diversify their pantry staples.
These grains are not only nutritious but also versatile, making them ideal for various dishes.
From providing essential nutrients to being adaptable in recipes, these grains can enhance any vegetarian diet.
Here are some must-have African grains that can be excellent additions to your kitchen.
Sorghum
Sorghum: A versatile grain
Sorghum is another gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians.
You can use it in salads, soups, and even replace rice or quinoa with it.
Sorghum flour is also a popular ingredient in baking due to its mild flavor and nutritional benefits.
This grain is rich in antioxidants and supports digestive health.
Millet
Millet: Nutrient-rich and adaptable
Another healthy gluten-free grain that you can try is millet.
It is loaded with magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which are all essential minerals to keep you healthy.
You can either cook millet like rice or grind it to make flour for baking.
Its mild flavor can be used for both sweet and savory dishes.
Teff
Teff: Tiny grain with big benefits
Teff has the highest calcium content among all grains, which makes it great for our bones.
It is also a good source of protein and dietary fiber and is naturally gluten-free.
While teff flour is mostly used to make traditional Ethiopian bread injera, it can also be added to pancakes or porridge.
Fonio
Fonio: Quick-cooking ancient grain
One of the fastest-cooking grains that you can find, fonio takes just five minutes to cook.
This ancient grain has been grown in West Africa for centuries as it withstands harsh climates.
Fonio provides amino acids such as methionine and cysteine which are otherwise absent in cereals.
Amaranth
Amaranth: Protein-packed powerhouse
Among plant-based foods, amaranth stands out for its unbelievable protein content; it has all nine essential amino acids that our body needs.
Plus, packed with vitamins such as vitamin C along with minerals like calcium and iron, amaranth makes itself an absolute staple in any vegetarian pantry lineup.