Sorghum is not millet. Although both sorghum and millet are among the five grains of China and belong to the grass family, they are not the same thing. Millet is made by milling proso millet, while sorghum grains are produced by de-hulling sorghum. Sorghum is mainly used in brewing, while millet is consumed more for food. Millet grains are smaller and golden in color, while sorghum grains, depending on the variety, can come in five different colors: red, white, yellow, black, and brown.
1. Is Sorghum the Same as Millet?
Although both sorghum and millet are grasses, they are not the same thing. Millet is made by milling proso millet, and the grains are small and golden. Sorghum grains are produced by de-hulling sorghum. Sorghum is mainly cultivated in the northern regions, as it is drought-resistant and flood-tolerant, allowing it to be grown even in harsh conditions. Sorghum grains come in different colors, such as yellow, black, red, white, or grayish-white, depending on the variety. Sorghum is primarily used for animal feed or brewing, while millet is more commonly consumed as food, such as in millet porridge. Both sorghum and millet are staple grains in China. Sorghum can be classified into red, white, and yellow varieties based on its color.
2. How is Sorghum Grain Formed?
Sorghum is an annual herbaceous plant from the grass family. Sorghum grain is produced by de-hulling sorghum and is one of the ancient cereal crops. It can be used for food, brewing, or as the main feed for livestock. Sorghum has a relatively low lysine content, making it a source of semi-complete protein. Though its lysine content is low, it can still be absorbed by the human body. Sorghum is more commonly grown in northern China, where it is the main cultivation area, while the southern regions have fewer sorghum crops, accounting for only about one-third of the national planting area.
