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Fonio:zoom on the new trendy gluten-free cereal

The new star of your plates is her or rather him:fonio. With it, your dishes will no longer have the same flavor. Come on, we tell you everything!

What is fonio exactly?

Nicknamed the "seed of the universe" , fonio is a very old small cereal belonging to the millet family. Originally from West Africa, it has been traditionally cultivated in Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Guinea for more than 5,000 years.

Don't be fooled by its size, fonio is well-known for its nutritional benefits, its low glycemic index – understand its carbohydrate level – but also and above all because its production does not harm the planet. Indeed, to cultivate fonio intelligent agriculture is required, so there is no deep plowing of the soil according to Slate .

This is how, with its advantages, fonio appeals beyond the African borders. But ultimately why is fonio so successful?

What does fonio contain?

Fonio has it all, in addition to being gluten-free it is rich in:

  • Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 , essential for energy production
  • Vegetable proteins
  • Iron , magnesium and zinc , which contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system
  • Fiber and antioxidant nutrients, which greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attack, underlines the expert from Doctissimo .

An emblematic cereal of West Africa that digests well, fonio is also recommended for pregnant women , children, the elderly or people who are overweight .

How is fonio cooked?

Were your mouths watering? You are lucky fonio is easy to cook. It can be eaten alone or added to several savory dishes such as couscous, tabbouleh, but also in desserts and yes! Just for you, we made a little compilation of recipes that made us salivate, to be found in our gallery above .

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