Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica)

This vividly named small millet is a traditional staple food grown in the drier parts of the high mountain landscape. It also grows well in the mid-hills. Regular consumption of foxtail millet leads to a significant fall in blood glucose, making it a useful food to help manage and prevent diabetes. Foxtail millet features a variety of uses, from being eaten as bhaat, a hearty porridge or used to brew alcoholic beverages. Foxtail millet cooked with milk and sugar (kheer) as a pudding makes an excellent and upscale dessert.