What Is Fonio? Nutrition, Benefits, Uses, and More

In some parts of West Africa, fonio holds sociocultural significance.

In Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo, fonio was traditionally reserved for chiefs and royalty and enjoyed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan or at celebrations like weddings and baptisms (2).

In some parts of Togo, fonio is used to prevent blood clotting after childbirth and stimulate milk production in breastfeeding people (2).

As a staple food, it plays a vital role in ensuring food security, especially during the post-harvest period when food is scarce. It can be harvested within 6–8 weeks and stores well without the risk of pest infestation (1, 2).

Fonio grows well in drought conditions and poor soils without the need for fertilizers or other implements (1, 3).

A neglected and underutilized crop species

Despite its rich cultural heritage and nutrient profile, fonio is considered a neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) (1, 4).

Sometimes referred to as “lost crops,” “minor crops,” or “orphan crops,” NUCSs haven’t been thoroughly researched, are utilized poorly, and largely grown by smallholder farms (1, 3, 4).

Yet, this tide is changing. Today, fonio is listed as a priority crop for West Africa. Due to its nutritional and environmental properties, as well as its potential to diversify one’s diet, it can be found in specialty food aisles and stores across the world (5).

Furthermore, fonio has become an important source of income for smallholder farmers in West Africa (3).

Summary

Fonio is a culturally significant grain in numerous West African countries, as it’s often used in various ceremonies. Although it’s highly cultivatable, it has historically been poorly utilized and understudied.

A member of the millet family, fonio is divided into two main types (1):

• Digitaria iburua. This white grain has black or brown spikelets and grows mainly in parts of Nigeria, Togo, and Benin.
• Digitaria exilis. This white grain grows from Senegal to Chad, as well as in central Nigeria. It’s the most commonly eaten of the two varieties and more readily available outside Africa.

summary

The two main types of fonio are Digitaria iburua and Digitaria exilis, the latter of which is most commonly found outside Africa.

In addition to being naturally low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat, 1/4 cup (45 grams) of dry fonio — approximately 1/2 cup cooked — provides (2, 6):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 2 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Carbs: 39 grams
• Fiber: 4% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 4% of the DV

Fonio is a good source of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, which are necessary for the growth, development, and function of cells, as well as energy production (7, 8, 9).

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggests that fonio has the highest calcium content of all grains. This may make it a good choice for those who don’t consume dairy, such as vegans or individuals with lactose intolerance (2, 10).

Fonio also provides iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium (4).

Iron and copper help form red blood cells, connective tissue, and blood cells, while zinc plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, and cell growth and division. Magnesium aids numerous biochemical reactions and is required for energy production (11, 12, 13).

summary

Fonio provides numerous B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium. It offers moderate amounts of fiber and protein.

Although fonio has existed for over 5,000 years, scientific research on this grain is lacking (1).

Some studies suggest that the climate, soil conditions, and farming practices may affect the nutrient content of particular plant foods across Africa (14).

Great source of plant-based amino acids

Fonio is a good addition to the diets of people who don’t eat enough animal or protein-based foods.

Although its protein composition is comparable to that of white rice, fonio contains significantly higher amounts of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. Both of these amino acids are lacking in grains like corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, and barley (5).

As an essential amino acid, methionine must be obtained through food, as your body can’t make it. It plays a role in skin elasticity, hair growth, nail health, and the growth and repair of body tissues (15).

Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that’s necessary for protein synthesis and detoxification. It also plays a role in the formation of the amino acid taurine (16).

With the exception of lysine, a typical serving of fonio may meet about 10% of an adult’s daily essential amino acid needs (14).

Whole grain

Fonio is eaten in its entirety and therefore considered a whole grain.

Whole grains may aid weight management and gut health. They’re also associated with a plethora of health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancer (17).

Unlike refined grains in which the germ and bran are removed during processing, whole grains include all three parts of the kernel — the bran, endosperm, and germ.

According to the Whole Grains Council, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, about 25% of a grain’s protein is lost when the bran and germ are removed. Nutrient losses also occur in many other important nutrients (18).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that whole grains comprise half of your daily grain intake. Including 1/4 cup (45 grams) of dry fonio in your diet can help you meet that goal (19).

Gluten-free

Fonio is naturally gluten-free. Thus, it’s safe for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Gluten-sensitive individuals may experience abdominal discomfort and tiredness when they eat foods that contain gluten — a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye (20).

Among those with celiac disease, gluten presents the same symptoms as gluten sensitivity but also damages the small intestine (20).

May aid blood sugar management

Fonio contains resistant starch, which resists digestion and absorption in your small intestine (5).

Resistant starches have many health benefits and may play a role in increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels (21).

Furthermore, this grain has a low glycemic index (GI) score, meaning that it doesn’t quickly raise your blood sugar levels. For this reason, it may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar (5).

summary

Fonio is a whole grain that’s a great source of plant-based amino acids. Additionally, it may help moderate blood sugar levels, and it’s naturally gluten-free.

Fonio is extremely versatile. When cooked, it has an earthy taste that readily absorbs the flavors of the foods it’s prepared with.

In West Africa, fonio is traditionally cooked as couscous, made into a porridge, and included in local beverages. Like other grains, it can be milled into a flour and used in baked goods, such as bread, cookies, and cakes (22).

In the kitchen, it’s so quick and simple to make that the Bambara people of Mali say that fonio never embarrasses the cook.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with it in your kitchen. Here are a few recipe ideas:

• Substitute fonio for any grain, including rice, couscous, millet, sorghum, quinoa, and barley.
• Use it in porridge in the same manner in which you’d use oats.
• Add it to soups and stews.
• Sprinkle it in salads.
• Use fonio flour in baked products like bread, cookies, cakes, and bars.

How to make fonio

1. Bring 1 cup (240 mL) of water to a rapid boil.
2. Add salt to taste.
3. Add 1/4 cup (45 grams) of dry fonio, stir lightly, and cover.
4. Turn the heat to low and cook it until all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Turn the heat off and fluff the fonio with a fork.
6. If the dish remains soggy, steam it further.

summary

Fonio is a versatile grain that’s often cooked like couscous or porridge. It’s also available as a flour that you can use in baked goods.

Try some of the recipes below for scrumptious, healthy dishes made with fonio.

Summary

Recipes that use fonio include Ethiopian sweet potato tacos, mango fonio salad, and fonio balls in African peanut sauce.

Fonio is an African heritage grain, also called an ancient grain, that’s mostly consumed in West African countries.

It’s naturally gluten-free and offers a robust amino acid profile, as well as other potential health benefits like improved blood sugar management.

Fonio is easy to prepare and culinarily versatile, making it a great fit for numerous savory dishes.