Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Eleusine coracana is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Used as a millet, the seed can be cooked whole or ground and used as a flour. It is used in cakes, puddings, porridge etc. The flour makes a very fair unleavened bread if it is first soaked overnight in water. — Used as a millet, the seed can be cooked whole or ground and used as a flour.; It is used in cakes, puddings, porridge etc.; The flour makes a very fair unleavened bread if it is first soaked overnight in water.; It is often used in making fermented foods.

Habitat & North American Range

Savannah and upland grassland. (Zone 8)