Fonio (Acha)

Acha /fonio grain/'hungry rice':

Probably the oldest African cereal. 

In certain regions of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Nigeria, it is either the staple or a major part of the diet providing food whilst other crops are yet to mature, thereby being coined a ''grain of life''.  

This pleasant tasting cereal is considered exotic and in some places reserved for chiefs, royalty and special occasions. 

Fonio is naturally free from gluten making it a pleasant alternative food source for people who have gluten intolerant or suffer from Celiac disease.

Fonio contains methionine plus cystine; containing almost twice as much methionine as egg protein. It is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese, and has more of these nutrients, serving-per-serving, than other grains. It’s also very high in fibre.

Fonio grain is used in a variety of ways. It is made into porridge and couscous, ground and mixed with other flours to make breads, it is popped and also brewed for beer.

**NB: Please wash / rinse in water properly using a fine mesh sieve before cooking as grit may be present. Cooks in 3 minutes. Enjoy!!