Some interesting facts about the supergrain:

• Fonio ( Digitaria exilis or Digitaria iburua) is one of the oldest grains and has been cultivated in the dry regions of Africa for over 5,000 years
• The Dogon community in Mali referred to it as the “seed of universe” believing that entire universe emerged from it
• It is drought resistant and does not need as much water as the common cereals (i.e. rice, maize and wheat)
• Despite it being referred to as the “hungry rice” by Europeans who did not know about much about the grain, fonio is one of the best tasting grain, a noble grain served to royalty and special occasions

Rich in amino acids, gluten-free and low glycaemic index (GI) level

This ancestral grain is gluten-free and has a low GI which makes it the ideal grain if you have gluten intolerance or diabetic conditions. It is also one of the most nutritious grain, especially due to its content in methionine and cysteine, two important amino acids lacking in the common cereals (i.e. rice, maize and wheat). Amino acids are important components involved in metabolism regulation, growth and immunity  and must be supplied to the body in sufficient quantity through dietary sources as they cannot be produced by the body. They are found in high concentration in animal proteins and may lack in a vegan diet. Methionine and cysteine main function is to protect our cells against free radicals which are responsible for tissue damaging, aging and diseases

This grain is well suited in a context of a low-calorie, nutritious and high energy diet, providing all the essential nutrients without the calories.

It is also important to mention that the fonio is drought-resistant , therefore can withstand very dry climate and does not need as much water as rice, maize or wheat. This makes it environmental-friendly grain but also a great asset to fight hunger in developing countries.

Fonio:  food of the future listed in the “Future 50 foods” report

In 2019, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with Knorr and the Center of Public Health Nutrition of Washington published “Future 50 foods” report which lists 50 plant-based foods we should eat to keep ourselves and the planet healthy. The food were listed on the basis of their high nutritional value, low impact on the planet, accessibility, taste and affordability . Among the 50 foods selected, 10 are ancient African crops which includes the fonio grain and the moringa.

According to the report, 75% of the global food supply comes only from 12 plants and 5 animal species. Just 3 plants made up 60% of our calories from plants (rice, maize and wheat). In reality, there are between 20,000 and 50,000 edible plants , of which we only consume 120-150 regularly. The narrow diet we have adopted bears a risk on our health and put a huge amount of pressure on the natural ressources and our environment overall. By widening our food supply and consuming less common plants, it is possible increase our dietary diversity to keep ourselves healthy and protect the environment.

It is also important to mention that the fonio is drought-resistant , therefore can withstand very dry climate and does not need as much water as rice, maize or wheat. This makes it environmental-friendly grain but also a great asset to fight hunger in developing countries.

Socially impactful to women in Africa

Fonio are mostly cultivated by women in small villages as part of cooperatives and associations. The sale of fonio provides them with an income to help them secure a prosper future for themselves and their families.

Tastier alternative to rice, quinoa and pasta

Fonio is a great alternative to the common source of carbohydrates such as rice, pasta and quinoa.
It is flavorsome, healthy and low in calorie and sugar and gluten-free.
By switching to fonio, you don’t compromise on the taste as it is one of the best tasting grain. It’s fluffy, light and its tiny grains look like couscous but they are finer. They also have a nutty flavor that will complement all of your savory and sweet dishes.

It is very easy to cook – on a stove for 10 min and on the microwave for less than 5 min. There are endless dish possibilities with the fonio; porridge, salad, side, dessert, granola, pudding etc.

Sources:

The role of methionine on metabolism, oxidative stress, and diseases/ December 2017Amino Acids49(12):1- Yordan Martínez, Gang liu, Peng Bin

50 Future foods report