In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the
nutritional benefits of millets, often hailed as the "smart food" of
the future. However, despite their immense potential, millets present unique
challenges when it comes to processing and consumption. In this blog post,
we'll delve into the technology, innovations, and strategies aimed at
harnessing the nutritional power of millets while overcoming the hurdles that
stand in the way.
- The Challenge of Husk Removal: Unlike rice and wheat, millets come with an outer husk that poses a challenge during processing. Dehusking millets is crucial, as the husk is indigestible and can cause digestive issues if consumed. However, differentiating between husked and dehusked millets, especially in varieties like foxtail millet, can be difficult due to their similar appearance.
- Regional
Variations in Processing: In regions like Maharashtra, millets are
highly valued for their slow-digesting nature and rich nutrition,
especially during fasting periods. Here, a highly polished variety of
millets is preferred. On the other hand, in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and
Tamil Nadu, the focus is on removing the outer husk without extensive
polishing.
- Extending
Shelf Life through Innovation: To address the challenge of short shelf
life post-dehusking, innovative solutions like manual separators and small
separators have been introduced. Additionally, polishing millets by 2% to
3% after dehusking can further extend their shelf life, ensuring their
availability for longer periods.
- Customizing
Millet Products for Different Needs: The fibrous nature of some
millets poses another challenge, requiring customization based on consumer
preferences and needs. While children and pregnant women benefit from
non-fibrous millets, adults, diabetics, and obese individuals may require
fibrous varieties. Understanding the target audience is crucial in product
development.
- Innovative
Millet Products and Processing Techniques: Various innovative millet
products and processing techniques have emerged to cater to diverse
preferences and tastes. Ragi bread, cookies, and other snacks are popular
choices, with additional fat added to prevent breakage. Parboiling finger
millet not only extends shelf life but also facilitates husk removal.
- Powdered
Millets for Versatile Usage: Powdered millets offer versatility in
usage, especially for hard-to-cook varieties like brown millets. Millet
powders can be used in a variety of dishes, including ready-to-eat mixes
and ragi-based products suitable for children, the elderly, and
individuals with digestive issues.
Despite the challenges posed by husk removal, short shelf
life, and fibrous nature, millets hold immense promise as a nutritious and
sustainable food source. With innovative processing techniques, customization
options, and versatile product offerings, we can unlock the full potential of
millets and pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.
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