As the world's leading producer of millets, India harnesses the nutritional richness of these versatile grains for optimal health and wellness. No matter the season, there's a millet to meet your dietary needs. Dive in to discover which millets are best for summer and winter, and learn easy ways to include them in your meals. A healthier, more sustainable lifestyle is just a millet away!
As a nation blessed with diverse climatic conditions, India is the world's leading producer of millets, with pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar) at the forefront of production. Millets are being hailed as a climate-smart crop due to their impressive ability to withstand high temperatures and bouts of drought. This resilient crop can also thrive in dryland regions while utilising minimal water resources. From the scorching summers of the northern plains to the cool winters of the south, millets are also a great source of nutrition that helps to maintain overall well-being regardless of the climate. These indigenous superfoods have been an integral part of India's food culture for centuries, prized for their nutritional richness and versatility in meals. In this article, we delve into the different types of millets to eat in summer and winter and how you can consume them for optimal health and wellness.
Millets to Eat During Summer and the Ways We Can Consume Them
As a tropical country, India experiences high temperatures, soaring as high as 43° C. During such times, our body tends to lose essential salts like potassium and electrolytes. To retain these crucial electrolytes, millets are the perfect go-to food during the summer. Ever wondered which millet is good for summer? This section explores the top millets that work amazingly well in combating the scorching heat of summer.
Millet Type | Health Benefits | Summer Recipes |
Jowar (Sorghum) | Jowar, a complex carbohydrate, slowly and sustainably provides energy, prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, and keeps the body energised. Jowar, a complex carbohydrate, slowly and sustainably provides energy, prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, and keeps the body energised. It's loaded with iron, calcium, and other nutrients,making it one of the best millet for summer. |
Jowar flakes with milk or simple and delicious jowar upma for breakfast. Tasty jowar rajgeera palak roti for lunch/dinner. |
Kodra (Kodo Millets) | Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these millets for summer help regulate body temperature and keep your body hydrated during the hot months. | Cooling kodo millet smoothie for breakfast. Antioxidant-rich millet bhakri at teatime. |
Ragi (Finger Millet) | Ragi aids in weight management and has a cooling effect on the body, making it an excellent summer millet. Its easily digestible nature makes it a recommended choice for babies. |
Ragi dosa or ragi idli for a nutritious lunch/ dinner meal. Refreshing minty ragi ambli to beat the summer heat. |
Kangni (Foxtail Millet) | Kangni is another cooling grain, perfect as a summer millet. | Delicious coconut kangni payasam to quell your thirst. Scrumptious foxtail millet upma for a satisfying teatime treat. |
These are some of the best millets for summer and may keep your body cool while providing many of the essential nutrients you need to power through these hot days.
Millets to Eat During Winter and the Ways We Can Consume Them
When it comes to winter, there are a few millets that can keep us warm and fight those extra winter pounds.
Millet Type | Health Benefits | Winter Recipes |
Bajra (Pearl Millets) | Bajra is high in protein, providing energy to keep the body warm. It's gluten-free, gentle on the stomach, and easy to digest. | Bajra rotis served with winter vegetables for lunch. Delicious bajra khichdi for lunch/dinner. |
Samai (Little Millets) | Little millets strengthen the immune system with their high iron content, helping to fight off common infections such as the flu. | Tasty little millet upma or idlis for breakfast. Flavorful bajra pulao for dinner. |
Ragi (Finger Millet) | While also a summer millet, ragi is fiber-rich and has a low glycemic index, helping to keep you full for an extended period of time and combat winter weight gain. | Hot bowl of ragi porridge for breakfast. Tasty ragi appam with coconut chutney for tea. |
Conclusion
The beauty of millets lies in their versatility and adaptability to different seasons. From the sweltering summer heat to the frosty winter chills, there's a type of millet to suit your dietary needs. Furthermore, the range of ways to incorporate them into your diet is vast, from simple cooking to creative baking. So, whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, embracing millets in your diet is an excellent step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Remember, the key to enjoying the benefits of millets lies in seasonal consumption and embracing locally grown varieties. So start experimenting with these grains of goodness today!