8 Reasons Why We Love Sorghum

Posted on Jan 31, 2019

It’s no secret we are fond of sorghum here at Simply Sorghum. It’s nutritious, celiac safe, easy to cook, versatile and sustainable - what’s not to adore! Valentine's Day is right around the corner and we wanted to share the top eight reasons why we love sorghum.

Whole Grain Goodness

Sorghum is a nutritious whole grain that is good for your body! Whole grain sorghum is an excellent source of fiber, phosphorus and vitamin B6. This super grain is also a good source of protein, magnesium, niacin, iron, potassium and selenium. With so many beneficial nutrients, adding sorghum to a balanced diet can help enhance your health. Try sorghum’s whole grain goodness with this caprese salad bowl.

Celiac Safe

If you know someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you know the challenges they face when it comes to meal time. Sorghum is a naturally gluten-free grain that is low in fat and high in nutrients, making it an ideal alternative flour option. Sorghum flour can be used on its own or in a flour blend to produce  a variety of baked goods. Share the benefits of sorghum flour with someone you know who has a gluten-allergy with a loaf of this Double Chocolate Quick Bread.

Diabetic Friendly

Regulating Carb intake can be challenging for those with diabetes, but consuming nutrient-dense sources of carbs like sorghum can be beneficial. Sorghum has a low to mid-level glycemic index, which is good because your blood sugar won’t spike after consumption and it can actually help you feel fuller longer. Accumulating evidence also shows that whole-grain consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and could also improve glucose control in individuals with diabetes. Try the super grain with this diabetic friendly Cherry Coconut Sorghum Parfait from Nutrition Starring You.

Easy to Cook

We get it - busy schedules make it tough to cook healthy meals! The pressure cooker has made cooking a batch of whole grain sorghum as easy as adding grain and water, setting the cook time for 20 minutes and walking away. This frees time to cook the other items on your menu. Plus, by cooking a larger batch, you can portion out your cooked sorghum and store it in the refrigerator for easy use throughout the week. You can even cook an entire meal in the Instant Pot with this Tuscan Sorghum and Sausage Soup!

Versatile

Sorghum is incredibly versatile. In addition to whole grain and flour, sorghum can be utilized as pearled grain, flake, popped kernel, bran, syrup and more. Sorghum is also grown in color varieties like black and burgundy sorghum, which provide additional benefits, like antioxidants. All of these different sorghum forms lend to culinary creativity in the kitchen as well as a variety of food product developments. Interested in trying sorghum in some of its unique forms? Check them out here.

Vessel for Flavors

Sorghum has a mild, nutty taste, which allows for unique culinary creativity and one-of-a-kind flavor profiles. Open your spice cabinet and get creative! Sorghum can be paired with savory, sweet and spicy flavorings alike. If you are a fan of spicy foods, this East African Sorghum Bowl is a must try. For a savory pairing, make this Asian Veggies, Chicken and Sorghum Grain Bowl. Try sorghum in a sweet application with this Double Berry Cobbler and a scoop of ice cream. For more sorghum flavor pairings, click here.

Budget Friendly

We think eating healthy shouldn’t break the bank, and that is why we are glad sorghum can be purchased for a reasonable price. Snag a bag of Bob’s Redmill from your local grocery store or order a bag online from Wondergrain or Nu Life Market  for just under $5. Best of all, a little sorghum goes a long way. In fact, one cup of whole grain sorghum will triple to nearly three cups once cooked. For more brands and places to buy sorghum, click here.

Eco-Friendly

Sorghum encompasses a number of sustainability factors that support an eco-friendly environment. Sorghum is among the most efficient crops in the conversion of solar energy. Due to its inherent drought-tolerant qualities, sorghum uses less water to grow than comparable crops. Stalks left over after sorghum harvest also help to reduce soil erosion and enhance soil organic matter.

What are your favorite things about sorghum? Share them with us on social media - Simply Sorghum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.