Basmati Rice Mandi Avarampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Kodo millet ( Tamil-Varagu, Telugu-Arikelu, Kannada-Arka, Hindi-Kodon) is a minor grain crop which is enclosed in hard, corneous, persistent husks that are difficult to remove. It is a tufted grass the colour of which varies from light red to dark grey. Being very rich in dietary fibre and protein and it is a good substitute for paddy rice. In addition to all the general millet characteristics (gluten-free, low glycemic index, high fibre, etc), Kodo millet has a high antioxidant content.

Cow gram is otherwise called black-eyed pea (due to the presence of a distinctive black spot on their hilum (the point of attachment). It is a small, smooth and kidney shaped pulse. Uses: Cow gram is used in stews, soups, purees casseroles, and mostly in curries. Cowpea paste is used as a supplement in infant formula when weaning babies off milk. Calorific value: 100 grams offers 80 Kcal of energy