Wheat and corn have long dominated American diets and agricultural policy, but Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has highlighted a little-known African grain named fonio as the transformative food of the future. .
With its unique qualities, fonio is not only a staple food in its homeland, but also a promising candidate to address global food sustainability challenges.
This “lost grain” from Africa has five special properties. Here’s what you need to know:
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nutrition powerhouse
Fonio may be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to nutrition. Fonio is rich in amino acids often lacking in today’s staple cereals and provides a high-quality protein profile.
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fast and furious growth
One of Fonio’s outstanding attributes is its incredibly fast growth cycle. Fonio, which matures in just six to eight weeks, is a dream crop for farmers dealing with unpredictable climate conditions.
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resistant to climate change
At a time when climate change threatens food production around the world, Fonio shines as a champion of resilience. It grows in poor soil conditions and requires little water.
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Gluten-free goodness
With the growing trend of gluten-free eating, fonio has emerged as a great alternative to traditional grains.
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economic empowerment
Fonio enriches not only your diet but also your life. Fonio cultivation can promote economic growth in poor regions and provide sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
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