All-natural African Fonio Grains

All-natural Fonio Grains

Fonio, a West African cereal, is emerging as a superfood, rich in protein and gluten-free. Cultivated for over 5000 years in regions like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, fonio comes in the form of very small seeds, measuring no more than 1.3 mm in length and 0.8 mm in diameter. Once shelled, the grain is only 1 mm long and 0.7 mm wide, with the weight of 1000 grains not exceeding 0.6 g. This cereal is not only nutritious, offering a good protein content comparable to wheat (though with slightly more carbohydrates), but it’s also filling and gluten-free.

Fonio has gained renewed interest in Africa, boosting the local economy and beginning to conquer the West. It represents the germ of the universe in the Dogon cosmogony and was associated with divinatory rites in ancient Egypt. Previously considered the food of the poor, fonio is now a luxury product, three times more expensive than rice, coveted by the urban bourgeoisie of West Africa.

Uses

Fonio is mainly consumed as porridge and couscous in African families, accompanied by sauces made with milk, peanut paste, or meat. It can also complement other foods.

Preparation

Fonio is prepared using a couscous maker, with 3/4 litre of water for 1 kilo of Fonio, steamed for 50 minutes.

Nutritional Values

Fonio is compared to eggs by some nutritionists due to its high protein content (10.5 g of protein per 100 g of fonio flour). It is rich in methionine and high in fiber, making it easily digestible. Unlike other cereals, hulled fonio grain contains practically no lipids.

Afritibi offers all-natural Fonio grains, providing home delivery in Canada and the USA, allowing you to enjoy this nutritious and ancient grain.