Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Pennisetum glaucum is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet or savoury dishes, or can be ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread, porridge etc. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It can be used like rice in sweet or savoury dishes, or can be ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread, porridge etc.; The grain is often fermented to make various foods The sweet tasting grains are eaten raw by children.; Very nutritious.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks in sandy soils, common as a weed. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)