Hidden Facts of Pearl Millet / Kambu or Bajra Fenugreek Cookies – Grano Life Healthy Snack

• About bajra

Bajras, such as sorghum and pearl millet, are important crops cultivated in various regions worldwide, including India and parts of Africa. These crops have been cultivated for over 7,000 years and are believed to have played a significant role in the development of settled

farming civilizations and multi-crop agriculture. Bajras belong to the grass family and are warm-weather cereals with small grains. They share a similar nutritional profile with other major grains and exhibit resilience to drought and other extreme weather conditions. Research on bajras is conducted by institutions like the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Bajras Research in Telangana.

• History of bajra

The domestis bajra species was particularly notable in East Asia, South Asia, West Africa, and East Africa. These species, however, often expanded beyond their original territories. Palaeoethnobotanists, specialized archaeologists, suggest that bajras were cultivated more frequently than rice in prehistoric times, especially in northern China and Korea, based on evidence such as the relative abundance of burnt grains found at ancient sites. Bajras played a significant role in the diets of prehistoric cultures in India, China, and Korea, such as the Indian Mumun, Chinese Neolithic, and Indian cultures.

During the Early Neolithic period in China, proso bajra (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail bajra (Setaria italica) were important crops. These two types of bajra were used to make the earliest Chinese noodles, which were discovered in a well-preserved state in a 4,000-year-old pottery bowl at the Lajia archaeological site in northern China. Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense) are believed to have been domesticated in the Indian subcontinent between 3700 and 5000 years ago. The Yajurveda texts mention various millet types, including foxtail millet, barnyard millet, and black finger millet, indicating that bajra cultivation began in India around 1200 BCE.

Common bajra, due to its ability to withstand drought, was the first dry grain to be cultivated in East Asia, and this may have facilitated its spread. By 5000 BCE, Asian bajra varieties had migrated from China to the Black Sea region in Europe. Wild bajra was already growing in Greece as early as 3000 BCE, and storage areas for bulk bajra from the Late Bronze Age have been found in Macedonia and northern Greece.

• Top Bajra Producing States in India

Gluten is a protein found in foods made from wheat and barley. It can lead to digestive issues like bloating, pain, and stomach cramps. Jowar, a whole grain that is free of gluten, is a great substitute for individuals with gluten intolerance.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Rajasthan
                     2. Uttar Pradesh
                     3. Haryana
                     4. Gujarat
                     5. Madhya Pradesh
                     6. Maharashtra
                     7. Karnataka
                     8. Tamil Nadu
                     9. Andhra Pradesh

• Contains nutrients that may support healthy hair, skin, and nails

  Regular consumption of bajra (pearl millet) has been linked to several potential health advantages, including facilitating weight loss, enhancing diabetes management, and increasing the intake of essential nutrients that promote the health of hair, nails, and skin.

• Bajra and Whole-wheat Flour cookies for kids

Bajra, commonly referred to as pearl millet, is a cereal grain of great nutritional value that is extensively cultivated in India. It possesses abundant essential nutrients and provides various advantages for children’s health. Bajra is abundant in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, rendering it an invaluable inclusion in a child’s dietary regimen

The significant advantage of bajra lies in its elevated fiber content. Fiber plays a vital role in promoting proper digestion and can aid in preventing constipation and other digestive problems in children. Consistently incorporating bajra into their diet can facilitate regular bowel movements and contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut in children.