When it comes to healthy superfood grains that people love to love, quinoa has been king for a while. But quinoa should watch its back because there’s a new contender on the rise that people are starting to catch onto as a potential new most super of superfoods.
It’s called fonio and it’s an ancient grain that has been cultivated in West Africa for thousands of years. In flavor and texture, it’s like a cross between quinoa and couscous, with a nutty aroma and a pebble-like grainy texture. And of course, it’s very, very good for you.
Why Is It Healthy?
Fonio is packed full of vitamins and the essential amino acids methionine and cystine. With a whopping 12 grams of protein per cup serving, it’s great for plant-based eaters. Plus, most exciting of all (for some), it’s naturally gluten-free, a rarity for grains.
When Can You Eat It?
Fonio is traditionally eaten as a breakfast porridge but there’s no reason why you can’t use it for more versatile purposes. In a grain bowl, mixed into a salad, or as a side dish like rice or couscous, fonio is definitely something you should consider trying out in your diet if you’re a health nut.
