Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Panicum sumatrense
Common Name: Little Millet
Little millet, scientifically known as Panicum sumatrense, is a small grain crop that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is an annual grass and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds. The plant typically grows to a height of around 60-90 cm and has slender stems with long, narrow leaves. The seeds are small and round in shape.
Nutritional Information
Little millet is considered a nutritious grain and offers several health benefits. Here is the nutritional information for little millet per 100 grams:
Energy: 362 kcal
Carbohydrates: 71.8 grams
Protein: 7.7 grams
Fat: 4.3 grams
Fiber: 7.6 grams
Calcium: 17 mg
Iron: 9.3 mg
Phosphorus: 285 mg
Potassium: 195 mg
Magnesium: 114 mg
Zinc: 1.6 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.25 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 4.2 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.38 mg
Etymology
The etymology of the term “little millet” refers to the name and origin of the grain. The word “millet” is derived from the Latin word “milium,” which means “millet” or “grain.” It is a general term used to describe various small-seeded grains of the grass family (Poaceae). The word “little” in “little millet” distinguishes this specific type of millet from other varieties.
The specific etymology of the botanical name Panicum sumatrense, which is the scientific name for little millet, provides information about its origin. The genus name “Panicum” is derived from the Latin word “panicus,” which means “pertaining to millet.” The species name “sumatrense” indicates its origin or association with the region of Sumatra, an island in Indonesia. It suggests that little millet might have been discovered or cultivated in Sumatra or has historical connections to the region.
The etymology of “little millet” reflects the small size of its seeds compared to other millet varieties and signifies its specific identity within the broader millet family.
Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is believed to have originated in India and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest crops known to humankind. The exact timeline of its domestication is not well-documented, but archaeological evidence suggests its presence in ancient Indian civilizations.
Little millet has been traditionally grown and consumed in various regions of India, especially in parts of South India. It is known by different regional names, such as “Samai” in Tamil, “Kutki” in Hindi, “Samalu” in Telugu, and “Chama” in Malayalam.
The cultivation of little millet spread beyond India to other parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. It is particularly well-adapted to tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in diverse climates and soils.
Historically, little millet served as an important food source for rural communities in India, providing sustenance and nutrition. Its small seeds and high yield per unit of land make it suitable for small-scale farming and subsistence agriculture.
Over time, little millet has gained recognition for its nutritional value and resilience in adverse growing conditions. Today, it continues to be cultivated and consumed as a staple food and a valuable ingredient in various culinary preparations.
The rich history and cultural significance of little millet highlight its importance as a traditional crop in India and its continued relevance in contemporary agriculture and food systems.
- Rich in Nutrients: Little millet is a good source of essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content in little millet promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. It adds bulk to the stool, aids in regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy digestive system.
- Weight Management: Little millet is relatively low in calories and rich in fiber, making it a good choice for weight management. The fiber content helps in increasing satiety and reducing hunger cravings, thereby supporting weight loss or weight maintenance goals.
- Blood Sugar Control: Little millet has a low glycemic index, which means it releases glucose into the bloodstream slowly, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it suitable for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to manage blood sugar levels.
- Heart Health: The presence of dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium in little millet contributes to heart health. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, while magnesium and potassium help regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Bone Health: Little millet contains important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. These minerals play a crucial role in bone formation and density.
- Energy Boost: Little millet provides carbohydrates, which are a primary source of energy for the body. Consuming little millet can help replenish energy levels and support an active lifestyle.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Little millet is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. It can be used as a substitute for gluten-containing grains in various recipes.
- Quality: Choose little millet that is clean, dry, and free from impurities, stones, or debris.
- Appearance: The millet grains should be uniform in size, with a light yellow or pale golden color.
- Packaging: Check the packaging for any damage or tears. Ensure that it is properly sealed and intact.
- Dry Environment: Store little millet in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Exposure to humidity can lead to spoilage.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the millet to an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to protect it from air and moisture. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents insect infestation.
- Shelf Life: Little millet, when stored properly, can typically be kept for up to 6-12 months. However, for optimal freshness, it is advisable to consume it within 6 months.
- Pest Prevention: To prevent pests such as insects or weevils, you can add a few dried neem leaves or bay leaves to the storage container. These natural deterrents help keep pests away.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically check the stored millet for any signs of spoilage, such as a musty smell, discoloration, or insect presence. If you notice any such issues, discard the affected millet to avoid contamination.
Little Millet Recipes
Ingredients
1 cup cooked little millet
1 cucumber, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or coriander leaves
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked little millet, diced cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and chopped red onion.
- Add fresh parsley or coriander leaves to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to combine.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the little millet salad chilled as a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked little millet
1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
1/4 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, corn, etc.)
1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
Bread crumbs for coating
Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked little millet, mashed potatoes, finely chopped mixed vegetables, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into a small cutlet or patty.
- Roll the cutlet in bread crumbs to coat it evenly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Place the cutlets in the pan and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Remove the cutlets from the pan and drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve the little millet cutlets hot with mint chutney or ketchup as a tasty and healthy snack.