Structural and Chemical Properties of Minor Millets: Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense) and Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea)

Abstract

Millets are often referred to as a "poor man's crop" due to their affordability and resilience. These small, nutrient-dense grains are classified into major and minor millets. This study aims on the dimensional, structural, and chemical characteristics of two minor millets: barnyard millet and little millet. The grain dimensions of barnyard millet and little millet ranged from 1.356 ± 0.023 to 1.161 ± 0.003 mm, 1.660 ± 0.233 to 1.812 ± 0.011 mm, and 3.016 ± 0.007 to 3.246 ± 0.012 mm. The arithmetic diameters (mm) and thousand kernel weight (g) ranged from 2.275 ± 0.025 to 2.263 ± 0.320 mm and 3.146 ± 0.052 to 3.072 ± 0.011g for barnyard and little millet respectively. The density (g/ml) and bulk density (Kg/m3) of both these grains were found to be 0.729 ± 0.008 and 0.763 ± 0.016, 950.8 ± 12.297 and 969.4 ± 6.235.  The true density of barnyard millet was 1631.5 ± 59.755 compared to little millet 1309.333 ± 102.768 kg/m3. Additionally, barnyard millet showed a higher porosity % 16.048 and a lower sphericity % 4.246. The moisture content was 12.360 ± 0.060% in barnyard millet and 11.147 ± 0.083% in little millet. Protein and fat contents ranged between 10.283 ± 0.329% and 8.967 ± 0.042%, and 4.087 ± 0.070% and 3.140 ± 0.066%, respectively, for little millet and barnyard millet. Ash content was higher in barnyard millet (4.183 ± 0.040%) than in little millet (1.140 ± 0.080%). The carbohydrate content was 73.343 ± 0.264% in little millet and 71.350 ± 0.078% in barnyard millet. These findings provide valuable insights into the physical and chemical properties of these minor millets, highlighting their potential as nutritious food sources.