Indian Millet- Kodo Millet/Varagu Arisi/Kodra/Kodua- Origin, Description,Taste and Culinary use of Kodo Millet, Purchase and Storage
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What is kodo millet/varagu arisi?/Kodo Millet Uses/Varagu Arisi Uses/Kodra Uses/Kodua Uses
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In India, Millets are not just food they are an integral part of the culture of thousands of communities all over the country. Kodo millet is one such millet. It is not just used as food but also store at the Temple tower called kalasam. Storing millet in kalasam was a very old tradition. There are two reasons for storing, the first reason is it will protect the Temple from lightning and the second reason is to ensure that in times of floods or disaster, grains could be planted using the stores in the kalasams. Once in 12 years, the grains in the Temple kalasams are refilled and changed during the festival called kumbhabhishekam.
ORIGIN OF KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI
Paspalum scrobiculatum, commonly known as Kodo millet, originated in Sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to Ethiopia and South to South Africa. It is an annual grain grown primarily in India and the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
In India, Kodo millet is largely grown in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, and Karnataka. It is also cultivated in the jhum field of Arunachal Pradesh.
DESCRIPTION OF KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI
Kodo millet is a monocot tufted annual or perennial grass that grows up to 150 cm tall. The plant has wide availability in different soil from very poor to fertile soil and can also tolerate drought conditions.
The plant has a shallow root system which may be ideal for intercropping. Plants like groundnuts and a few other millets are also grown as an intercrop.
The Kodo millet plant produces very small ellipsoidal seeds, being approximately 1.5mm in width and 2mm in length; they vary in colour from light brown to dark grey.
FEW INDIAN REGIONAL OR VERNACULAR NAMES OF KODO MILLET
Tamil name – Varagu Arisi
Hindi name – Kodon/Kodra
Kannada name – Arka
Malayalam name – Koovaragu
Telugu name – Arikelu
Odia name – Kodua
FLAVOUR OF KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI
Kodo millet is a good substitute for Rice because it is very similar in taste. It is a combination of sweet, bitter, and astringent.
INDIAN CULINARY USES OF KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI
Kodo millet/Varagu Arisi has been grown and consumed in the southern part of India for centuries.
The great woman and Tamil poet Avvaiyar's favourite food were Varagu Arisi Choru/Kodo Millet Rice. In her poem ‘Thani Padal Thirattu’—the 32nd song goes like this—' Varagu Arisi Chorum, Vazhathunangai Vaatum, Moramoravena Pulitha Morum’ (Vaaragu arisi chorum means Kodo millet Rice, Vazhathunangai Vaatum means Smoked and Smashed Brinjal (Vazhathunangai- very old Tamil name for Brinjal), Moramoravena Pulitha Morum means Frothy and Tangy Buttermilk). The poet mentions her host’s name as boothan of pulvelur village and expresses gratitude for the tasty meal.
KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI RECIPES
It is used just like rice grains. Even after Rice Grains were introduced village people would like to eat Kodo Millet Kanji with Paruppu Kootu.
Generally, Kodo Millet/Varagu Arisi is used as a substitute for Rice. It is used as a whole grain in Pongal, a variety of rice recipes.
It is ground coarsely and used in Kanji, and Puttu recipes.
It is also ground into a fine powder and used in Gluten-free Chapati, Baking Dishes, and Traditional savoury recipes.
The whole Kodo millet is soaked and ground into the batter and used in Dosai, Idly, and Paniyaram recipes.
MUST-TRY KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI RECIPES
- Varagu Arisi Pongal
- Varagu Arisi Sadam
- Kodo Millet Kichadi
- Kodo Millet Dosai
- Kodo Millet Payasam
TIPS TO BUY AND STORE KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI
Kodo Millet is available in any Indian departmental store. It is also available in Nattu Marundhu Kadai.
When buying a Kodo millet, Look for freshness and buy without any moisture.
HOW TO STORE KODO MILLET/VARAGU ARISI?
You can store Kodo millet in an air-tight container in a cool and dry place.
NOTE
Use Kodo millet/Varagu arisi within the expiry date mentioned in the package.
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