Sorghum: The Next Quinoa

I know that sorghum probably isn't the kind of meal you were planning on having for dinner tonight, but FYI, it's the next quinoa, so keep your eyes, ears, and mouth open to it. Some of you gluten-free readers already know it in its ground flour form, but it's also available as a grain that looks similar to pearled couscous once cooked. It's a tasty, nutrient-loaded, whole-grain, gluten-free swap for rice and quinoa that rivals the most nutritious foods. Unlike quinoa, it's easily grown in the US, even in drought conditions, so this nutritious ancient grain is inexpensive and as it becomes increasingly popular, it will be easy to access.

Sorghum Nutrition

Sorghum is loaded with nutrients. It is especially rich in the minerals iron, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. It's also high in B-vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, used to metabolize food. This whole grain's protein content is comparable to wheat, but better than rice and corn, with 10g of plant-based protein in 1/2 cup sorghum. The fiber content is high, with almost 7 grams of fiber in that same amount.

The outer layer, or hull, of sorghum is edible, so more nutrients, including its numerous phytonutrients, are ingested to boost our health. These beneficial phytonutrients, including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, phytosterols, and policosanols, are reported to combat diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The darker colored sorghum varieties are even higher than blueberries in phytonutrients. The tannin-rich bran of sorghum has enzymes that inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates by the body, which helps to regulate insulin and sugar levels.

Preparing Sorghum

Prepared like rice or popped like popcorn, this versatile grain tastes delicious. I particularly enjoy it toasted before cooked. When using sorghum flour as a substitute for wheat flour, know that because it has no gluten, it requires a binding agent in some recipes like xantham gum, guar gum, or cornstarch.

Try soaking whole sorghum for 8 hours or overnight to first break down the enzymes and make it more digestible. Then boil it in in water with a ratio of one to three for about an hour, or until tender. It can also be cooked in a rice steamer or slow cooker.

Also, keep an eye out for faster cooking varieties as sorghum increases in popularity. Wondergrain brand already had a pearled version of sorghum that cooks in minutes. As the darker colored versions starts popping up on shelves, choose these to take advantage of more phytonutrients.

While sorghum grain isn't on the grocery shelves as commonly as quinoa, it is available at some stores and online. As a crop, it is more sustainable and efficient to grow, while also a powerhouse of nutrients that can easily be adapted to use in a variety of recipes. Add sorghum to your diet by taking March's Healthy Challenge and offer your body a health-boost today. Check out Sorghum Checkoff, Sorghum Recipe Showdown, and Wondergrain for recipe ideas. Let us know when you come across a great sorghum recipe. Cheers to your health!