Finger Millet

Eleusine coracana — Poaceae

Italiano: Miglio dito

Description

Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) belongs to the Poaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Highlands, dry areas, cultivation environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Finger Millet is ancient African cereal with small finger-like seed heads. Highly nutritious and drought-tolerant.. The edible parts include Grains. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July and September. Nutritionally, Finger Millet stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Iron (2.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Finger Millet offers a Earthy, slightly sweet, deep brown flavor profile. Sprout, dry, roast, and grind into flour; cook as porridge. Common culinary applications include Porridge, Flatbread, Beer, Malted drinks. Popular preparations include Make uji porridge with finger millet flour and water. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Contains phytic acid; soaking/sprouting recommended. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Highlands, dry areas, cultivation across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Make uji porridge with finger millet flour and water

Preparation method: Sprout, dry, roast, and grind into flour; cook as porridge
Flavor profile: Earthy, slightly sweet, deep brown
Edible parts: Grains

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Contains phytic acid; soaking/sprouting recommended
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Chicchi
Preparation: Sprout, dry, roast, and grind into flour; cook as porridge
Flavor: Earthy, slightly sweet, deep brown

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 60.0mg (4%DV)
Iron: 2.0mg (11%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Porridge, Flatbread, Beer, Malted drinks Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Make uji porridge with finger millet flour and water

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Highlands, dry areas, cultivation
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References