Fonio: The West African ancient grain that can save our planet
It seems like health crazes come and go, much like fashion trends. With so much information shared across the web, it’s hard to identify what ingredients or foods can benefit you
and your lifestyle. This is why we have a lot of good things to say about fonio, an all-natural, gluten-free grain with a nutty flavour that is originally from West Africa.
Fonio belongs to the millet grain family and comes in different varieties. It is a Vegan cereal that packs protein, fibre, iron, zinc, B vitamins and more.
But did you know that it is also an ancient super-grain that is good for the environment? In this blog, we’ll let you in on the secrets behind this tiny superfood that make it both good for you and the planet.
WHERE AND HOW IS FONIO CULTIVATED?
Fonio is farmed in West African countries like Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo. It grows in dry climates without irrigation, meaning it would not grow successfully in humid regions. Because of this, fonio is drought-resistant and can survive unstable weather that can occur due to climate change. In terms of water footprint, fonio scores well compared to rice, which is a semi-aquatic plant that requires consistent irrigation all season to grow.
Not only is fonio resilient, but its growth cycle can range from two to four months , meaning it can be harvested quite fast. According to HEALabel, fonio also has a low carbon footprint and has no known significant damage to air, water, land or soil. This depends on if chemicals were used to grow the grain.
Swapping your quinoa and rice for fonio is easy when you know it's primarily processed by hand. With little machinery involved in the cultivation process, farm-to-table never tasted better!
LOCAL FARMING & LABOUR
Fonio producers and farmers use a traditional method to harvest the grain. When the crops are ready to harvest, the grains are cut and removed from the stalk. Mortar and pestle are commonly used to break down the husk and separate the grain and sand. Then, the grains are gathered in baskets and set to dry on straw mats or tarps. Finally, the grains are washed by hand.
Did you know? Fonio farms aren’t usually large. This makes it easier for local communities and families to grow fonio for themselves. In turn, this could reinforce and grow West Africa’s economy from selling the ingredient abroad and its local food security. Supporting entrepreneurs in our home country, Guinea, is at the core of our ‘why’ here at Tchelal Foods.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Fonio is a nutrient-dense ingredient. A whole grain, fonio is often referred to as the seed of the universe. It is naturally gluten-free (celiacs rejoice!), plant-based and has a low glycemic index (GI). This is useful information for those living with illnesses like diabetes because fonio can be enjoyed safely without spiking blood sugar. Other must-know benefits may include improved digestion, bone health and heart health.
This superfood is equally great for curious foodies who are open to expanding their palate and seeking alternatives to other popular grains like rice and quinoa. What makes our fonio different? Our fonio is organic and non-GMO. We also specialize in pre-cooked (steamed) fonio grain and fonio flour.
Now that you’ve learned more about the nutritional benefits of fonio and its impact on the environment, you can better understand its rising popularity and start cooking with this gem. After all, the UN didn’t dedicate 2023 to greater efforts in producing millets due to their nutritional properties and resilience in adapting to climate change for nothing.
Add fonio to your cart here .
To follow tasty recipes, click here.
Happy cooking!
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