bajra flour

What is bajra flour, bajra ka atta? glossary | benefits | uses | recipes | | Viewed 89340 times
Also Known as
Black Millet flour, Pearl Millet flour

What is bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta?


Bajra flour is made from the small round grains of black millet, also called bajra. When the bajra is ripe and ready to be harvested, the plants are cut and tied in bundles and allowed to dry. The bundles are threshed to separate the grains. The grains are dried and then processed into flour. When ground, the flour is greyish in colour and has a slightly nutty flavour. Since it is a heat-producing ingredient, it is commonly used in winters.

How to select bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta


• The quality of the bajra determines the quality of the flour and thus one should ensure that you purchase the flour from a trustworthy grocery store.
• Do check the manufacturing date and expiry date before purchasing.

Culinary Uses of bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta in Indian Cooking


• Bajra flour is combined with wheat flour or jowar flour to make bhakri, theplas, bajra na rotla and other breads.
• Stuff with innovative fillings to make bajra parathas.
• The flour is also used in preparations like dhokli, khakras, muthias, etc.

How to store bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta


• This flour is best used within 20 days.
• Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Nutritional Information of Bajra Flour

One cup of Bajra Flour is 130 g (which is obtained from 96 g of whole bajra), which makes 6 rotis.

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Nutritional Information for 1 cup Bajra Flour

346 Calories

11.1 grams of Protein

64.8 grams of Carbs

4.8 grams of Fat

284 mg of Phosphorus : 47.3% of RDA (about 600 mg for adult)

43.68 mcg Folate, Vitamin B9 (FA) = 43.68% of RDA (about 100 mcg)

10.84 grams of High Fiber = 43.3% of RDA (about 25 to 30 grams)

7.68 mg of Iron (Fe) = 38.4% of RDA(about 20 mg for women)

131.5 mg of Magnesium (Mg) = 37.57% of RDA (about 350 mg )

2.97 mg of Zinc = 29.7% of RDA (about 10 to 12 mg)

0.31 mg of Vitamin B1, Thiamine : 26.4% of RDA (about 1.2 to 1.5 mg)

0.24 mg of Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 = 21.8 % of RDA (about 1.1 mg)

11.1 g Protein = 20.1% of RDA (55 g)

2.2 mg of Vitamin B3, Niacin = 18.4% of RDA (about 12 mg)

294 mg of Potassium (K) :6.2% of RDA (about 4,700 mg)

126.7 mcg of Vitamin A = 5.2 % of RDA (about 2,400 mcg)

40.32 mg of Calcium (Ca) = 4.32% of RDA (about 1000 mg)

Health benefits of bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta

Bajra flour is high in protein and is a complete protein for vegetarians when combined with dal. So as a Vegetarian, include bajra in your diet.  Bajra is a great option for those on a gluten free diet. Bajra is rich in Magnesium which improves insulin response by lowering insulin resistance which is good for Diabetics and healthy heart but to be had in restricted quantity and had with low fat curds or raita to minimise the carb impact. See here for the 18 benefits of bajra flour and why you should have it.

Glycemic Index of Bajra Flour, Black Millet Flour

Bajra flour has a Glycemic Index of 71 which is high. Glycemic Index are for foods you eat, ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they digest and raise your blood sugar or glucose levels. Foods rank from 0 to 50 are low GI, 51 to 69 are medium and 70 to 100 are high. Foods that are high in GI are not suitable for weight loss and diabetics. Foods like Bajra flour have a high GI but since its rich in Fibre which results in Bajra being healthy and suitable for a healthy lifestyle as the Glycemic Load reduces.