which millet is good for summer

Which Millet is Best for Summer? Stay Cool Naturally

AsmitA Organic Farm

As temperatures rise, keeping your body cool and energised becomes essential. Eating millets is a great way to support your summer diet — they’re not only packed with nutrients but also naturally light and cooling. These ancient grains help support hydration, aid digestion, and may even prevent heat-related fatigue.

Incorporating summer millets into your meals is a delicious way to feel refreshed and nourished, even on the hottest days.

Let’s explore which millets are best for summer and how you can enjoy them!

Table of Contents

1. Millets and Their Cooling Properties
2. Which Millets are Good for the Summer Season?
3. Benefits of Using Millets During Summer
4. Tasty Recipes from Summer Millets
5. Bottom Line

Millets and Their Cooling Properties

Millets have been a staple in various cultures for centuries, celebrated not only for their resilience in changing climatic conditions but also for their impressive nutritional profile. What's fascinating is that certain organic millets possess inherent cooling properties, making them particularly suited for eating during summer. 

Incorporating these season appropriate foods into your diet can aid in maintaining an optimal electrolytic balance, ensuring you remain hydrated and energised even in hot weather.

Which Millets are Good for the Summer Season?

Wondering which millet is good for summer? Here are some that are particularly beneficial when the mercury rises:

1. Sorghum (Jowar)

Jowar is a versatile, gluten-free grain renowned for its high fibre content, which aids digestion, a crucial factor in the summer season. 

Its neutral taste allows it to blend seamlessly into various dishes, from rotis to porridges. Incorporating jowar into your diet can help regulate body temperature and keep you feeling light and active.

2. Finger Millet (Ragi)

Ragi stands out for its rich calcium content, promoting bone health. Beyond that, it boasts cooling properties, making it an excellent choice for hot weather. 

One of the best millets for summer, eating ragi can assist in maintaining hydration levels and preventing heat exhaustion. Its versatility allows it to be used in porridges, dosas, and even baked goods.

3. Foxtail Millet (Kangni)

Foxtail millet is a nutrient-dense grain that's easy to digest, making it ideal for the summer season. Rich in complex carbohydrates, it provides sustained energy without causing the sluggishness often associated with heavier foods.

AsmitA Organic Farms’ Organic Foxtail Millet is a 100% organic, gluten-free super grain packed with protein, fibre, iron, and calcium. Sustainably farmed and free from synthetic chemicals, it supports digestion, heart health, and weight management.

4. Barnyard Millet

Known for its lightness and high fibre content, barnyard millet is gentle on the stomach and supports digestive health, a boon during summer when the digestive system can become sluggish. Eating it can aid in preventing heat stroke and promote overall well-being. 

AsmitA Organic Farms’ Organic Barnyard Millet is a gluten-free, nutrient-rich grain packed with fibre, protein, B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus. Ideal for digestion, blood sugar control, and overall well-being, it’s perfect for biryanis, pulavs, and mixed rice dishes.

5. Kodo Millet

Kodo millet is rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, contributing to improved digestion and detoxification. Its cooling properties make it a suitable addition to your summer millets repertoire, helping you stay refreshed and energised throughout the day.

AsmitA Organic Farms’ Organic Kodo Millet is a time-honoured super grain, packed with fibre and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Sourced directly from our trusted network of farmers, this ancient grain is cultivated without pesticides or harmful chemicals.

Benefits of Using Millets During Summer

which millet is good for summer
Incorporating millets into your diet during summer offers a plethora of benefits:
  • Hydration: The high water content in certain millets aids in maintaining hydration, crucial for preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Electrolytic Balance: Rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, millets help sustain the body's electrolyte balance, ensuring proper muscle function and nerve transmission.
  • Low GI Index: Millets have a low GI index, providing a steady release of energy and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Packed with vitamins such as B-complex and minerals like iron and calcium, eating millets supports overall health and vitality.
  • Digestive Health: The high fibre content promotes regular bowel movements and aids in detoxification, keeping the digestive system robust during summer.

Tasty Recipes from Summer Millets

Here's a set of refreshing and nutritious recipes to eat millets in summer that will keep you cool and energised in the hot weather:

1. Varagu Pulao (Kodo Millet Pulao)

A nutritious and flavorful one-pot meal made with kodo millet and mixed vegetables.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Organic kodo millet (varagu)
  • 1½ cups water
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, green peas), chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 12 mint leaves
  • 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
Method:
  • Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker over medium flame.
  • Add cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, and bay leaf; sauté briefly without letting the fennel seeds change color.
  • Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
  • Add chopped mixed vegetables and mint leaves; cook for about 2 minutes, adding a little salt for the vegetables.
  • Add washed and drained kodo millet; mix well and let it dry slightly.
  • Pour in water and add salt to taste; mix well and bring to a boil.
  • Close the pressure cooker and cook on low flame for 12 minutes, or until one whistle.
  • Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and fluff the pulao gently.
  • Serve hot with onion raita or salna.

2. Mysore Millet Dosa

A crispy dosa made with a blend of summer millets, ideal for breakfast.

Ingredients:
  • ½ cup Foxtail Millet
  • ½ cup Barnyard Millet
  • ¼ cup urad dal
  • ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
Method:
  • Soak millets, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds for 6 hours.
  • Grind into a smooth batter and ferment overnight.
  • Add salt and mix well.
  • Heat a pan and pour a ladle of batter, spreading it thin.
  • Cook until golden brown. Serve with chutney.

3. Quinoa Millets Breakfast Bowl

A crunchy, healthy breakfast option packed with fiber and cooling properties.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Organic Quinoa Millet
  • 1 cup cold milk or almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup chopped fruits (banana, apple, berries)
  • Nuts and seeds for topping
Method:
  • Add Organic Quinoa Millet to a bowl.
  • Pour cold milk over it.
  • Drizzle with honey and add chopped fruits.
  • Sprinkle nuts and seeds. Serve chilled.

4. Little Millet Khichdi 

A light, nutritious one-pot meal made with little millet, lentils, and vegetables. Gluten-free, easily vegan, and great for everyday meals or fasting days.

Ingredients:
  • ½ cup Organic Little Millet
  • ½ cup Moong Dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (carrot, beans, potato – diced)
  • 1 tsp Ginger Paste
  • 1–2 Green Chillies (slit)
  • ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2½ to 3 cups Water
  • Ghee (optional, for serving)
Optional Tadka (Tempering):
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
  • A few Curry Leaves
  • 1 Dry Red Chilli
Method:
  • Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilli.
  • Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add ginger paste, turmeric, green chillies, and salt. Stir well.
  • Add soaked millet and dal along with water.
  • Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles. Let pressure release naturally.
  • Serve hot, with or without a spoon of ghee.

5. Cereal Biscuits (Made with Barnyard Millet)

A healthy snack option using Barnyard Millet.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Organic Barnyard Millet
  • ½ cup oats
  • ½ cup jaggery powder
  • ¼ cup butter or coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
Method:
  • Mix Barnyard Millet, oats, jaggery, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  • Add melted butter and form a dough.
  • Roll and cut into biscuit shapes.
  • Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.
  • Cool and store in an airtight container.

Bottom Line

 

which millet is good for summerWhen the heat hits hard, your meals can be your best defence. Millets are more than just ancient grains — they’re summer superheroes. Naturally cooling, nutrient-rich, and easy to digest, they help you stay refreshed from the inside out.
At AsmitA Organic Farms, we bring you millets that are organically grown, minimally processed, and packed with goodness. Explore our range and give your summer a deliciously healthy upgrade.

 

 

Back to blog