Like cicerchia, it's drought resistance has a dark side - drought causes it to accumulate toxins, like cyanide. Sorghum has actually killed livestock because of that.
Grain sorghums (
Sorghum bicolor) are a “traditional crop in Africa and India and constitute a major source of calories and protein for millions of people.”
* Yes, it has a “dark side” - it contains toxins; however, I direct your attention to the WHO's fact sheet
“Natural Toxins in Food” which if you are concerned about eating milo would also have you questioning your consumption of kidney beans, parsnips, citrus, stone fruit, and almonds among other common edibles. Correspondingly, the FDA conducts a
Total Diet Study (TDS); browsing its 83 page 2022
FDA TDS report is eye-opening. Reassuringly though, a 2022 article suggests human consumption of sorghum is “in the light” with beneficial properties:
“The functional composition of sorghum plays an essential role in human health by inhibiting the risk of chronic diseases. Available epidemiological evidence suggests that tannin (proanthocyanidins) in sorghum acts as an antioxidant protecting from inflammation and cancer. Its fiber content can reduce blood cholesterol and glucose level, and is also helpful in celiac disease.”**
In regard to livestock – as sorghum is a common feedstock, resources such as
Livestock Feed Guides abound for safe guidelines to incorporate it into your feeding regimen. In general, Cornell's Department of Animal Science maintains an excellent site on
Plants Poisonous to Livestock that's searchable by both botanical and common name for those wanting to check if a particular crop poses a risk to your livestock (and companion animals!)
Not specific to sorghum, but as a crop I regularly grow and enjoy and since it was mentioned, cicerchia (
Lathyrus sativus) though not a common feature on North American tables, is celebrated aboard Slow Food's Ark of Taste (
Licodia Eubea Cicerchia.) It is an “insurance crop” against famine in east Africa, India and regions of the Mediterranean.***
The Curious Case of the Grasspea is another relevant read for those wanting to expand their culinary and cultivation horizons by growing this legume.
Whew – apologies this is a bit longer than I intended. I wanted to share what motivates my sincere belief milo (and cicerchia) is a valuable addition to a garden that enhances both personal and community food security. And like with much of what we eat, it seems moderation is an important aspect in balancing risk vs. benefit.
(because I am a geek)
*S.O. Serna Saldivar, 1.4.5 Sorghum in
Cereal Grains Properties, Processing, and Nutritional Attributes accessed via Google Scholar
**
Waseem Khalid, et al (2022) Nutrients and bioactive compounds of Sorghum bicolor L. used to prepare functional foods: a review on the efficacy against different chronic disorders, International Journal of Food Properties, 25:1, 1045-1062
***Duke, James A.
Handbook of Legumes of World Economic Importance, Plenum Press, New York, 1981.– Eleanor's note: a perfect addition to a bean geek's library!
I am trying to add grains to my garden, but would probably want to sample grain sorghum before trying to grow it.
