These are tiny, white, round grains belonging to the millet family. It is an erect plant 60-130 cm tall. In India, cereal grains are not consumed during fasts. Hence, samvat is a popular ingredient during Navratras. While cooking any rice based dish during fasts, samvat or sama grains are used instead, as they do not belong to the rice family but act as an healthy alternative. It does not cook into separate grains like long grained rice. It is sticky once it is cooked and stays a bit soggy. They are somewhat like smaller versions of saboodana look wise.
Barnyard millet can produce ripe grain in 45 days from the sowing time under optimal weather conditions. Barnyard millet does not suffer from major fungal diseases and is a valuable fodder plant.
Small seeds of barnyard millet are processed on groats that are used for preparation of different types of porridges.
It has been variously known as barn grass and barnyard millet. Barnyard grass is distributed throughout much of North America as a weed in moist cultivated areas. The other Indian names for barnyard millet are Vari, Varai, Sanwa, Samwa and Swang.
Nutritional Value
Millets, are predominantly starchy. The protein content is comparable to that of wheat and maize.
Barnyard millet has the lowest carbohydrate content and energy value amongst all the varieties of Millets. The bran layers of millets are good sources of B-complex vitamins.
barnyard millet is an appropriate food for patients intolerant to gluten causing celiac disease.