AGRIBASE COMMODITIES

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is considered to be one of the four most important cereal grains used for human consumption. While sorghum is considered to be native to tropical Africa and continues to be a leading cereal grain the most areas of the continent, it came to the United States from France. It was common in our grocery markets from the 1850s when first introduced through World War I. But since that time, it has disappeared from general stores as a food staple and major flour item.

Sorghum comes in a variety of types, and its uses range from broom straw to syrup. Its wide usage explains why it is so universally grown. Depending on the type of sorghum, the pith may be juicy or dry. The leaves resemble corn leaves and are about 2 inches wide and 2 1/2 feet long. The color of the grain may be white, yellow, red, or brown. [Certified food grade sorghum varieties are white.]

Sorghum is higher in protein and lower in fat than corn. The mineral composition differs only slightly from corn, and the vitamin content in grain sorghum is similar to white corn.