Sorghum Facts
Sorghum Facts
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| Interesting Sorghum Facts: |
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| Sorghum develops strong, smooth stem divided in nodes. It can grow up to 7 feet in height. Cultivated varieties of sorghum are usually only 2 to 4 feet tall to facilitate harvest. |
| Sorghum has strong root system covered with numerous hairs that ensure quick absorption of nutrients from the ground. |
| Sorghum develops bright green, flat, narrow leaves with pointed tips. Leaves are oppositely arranged on the stem. Mature leaves are positioned downwards. |
| During the period of drought, leaves roll up to prevent loss of water via transpiration. Layer of wax on the surface of leaves also aids in water preservation. |
| Sorghum produces bisexual flowers arranged in erect or drooping panicles (type of inflorescence). Flowers open at night. Sorghum is able to perform self-pollination because both types of reproductive organs (stamen and pistil) develop at the same time. |
| Seed of sorghum are round or oval-shaped. One panicle contains from 800 to 3000 grains that can be white, yellow, pink, purple, red or brown colored (depending on the variety). |
| Sorghum grains are rich source of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals such as iron, potassium and calcium. It does not contain gluten, which makes sorghum ideal for people diagnosed with celiac disease (people that cannot consume wheat and other gluten-based food). |
| Sorghum is used in the human diet in the form of whole grains or ground into flour. Grains can be cooked like rice, turned into porridge or popcorn-like snack. Flour is used for the manufacture of flat breads and different types of pastries. Processed food made of sorghum includes breakfast cereals, cakes and dry snacks. |
| Sorghum is also used in the manufacture of fermented alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. |
| Sweet syrup, also known as sorghum molasses, extracted from the sorghum cane was widely used as sweetener in the past. Popularity of this syrup dropped after introduction of glucose syrup. |
| Sorghum is very important source of food for cattle and poultry around the world. |
| Red pigment extracted from the sorghum is used for painting of leather in Africa. |
| Stem of sorghum can be used in the manufacture of baskets. Broomcorn is a type of sorghum that is used for the manufacture of brooms |
| Sorghum grains are used for the production of ethanol that is used as biofuel (less-polluting type of fuel). |
| Sorghum is usually cultivated as annual plant (lifespan: one year). |
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