What is Sorghum?
Sorghum is a type of grain with a multitude of uses, making it one of the most versatile crops around. It grows tall like corn, and can be used for food, as animal fodder, in the production of alcoholic beverages, biofuels, and more. In fact, this super-grain is one of the top 5 cereals in the world!
Southerners have used sorghum as a sweetener for generations. The stalks create a sweet juice that resembles molasses or honey, but with a unique flavor that is great to pair with biscuits, pancakes, barbecue marinades, salad dressings… you get the idea!
Its benefits are endless, so it’s no wonder why we love cooking with sorghum in our Southern kitchens.
Benefits of Sorghum
The crop is drought- and heat-tolerant, making it easy to grow almost anywhere. The grain is said to have numerous health benefits, like improving your digestive and bone health, increasing circulation, and boosting energy levels. It is naturally gluten-free, making it an awesome replacement for people with Celiac or gluten intolerance. It has high mineral and vitamin content and is a great source of fiber.
How do I cook with sorghum?
Sorghum can take on many different forms, including:
- Whole grain (a good source of fiber and protein)
- Pearled grain
- Whole grain flour (a neutral flavor and light color perfect for a variety of baking methods)
- White flour
- Syrup
- Bran (rich in antioxidants and high in fiber)
- Flaked (perfect for adding to breakfast cereals, cookies, and granola snacks)
Anywhere that you would use a similar ingredient, sorghum can be used instead. Serve it like rice or quinoa. Eat is as a side dish or as the main event. You can cook it in your oven, on your stovetop, or using a rice cooker. You can pop it like popcorn for a fun snack or make gluten-free bread. It can even be frozen and reheated without losing its taste or health benefits.
Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata – basil, pickled green tomatoes, balsamic-sorghum glaze, biscuit crackers
Tupelo Honey dishes using sorghum
We use sorghum most often in its syrup form. Find this versatile ingredient in our Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata small plate in the form of a sorghum-balsamic glaze, which gives the dish a sweet-yet-tangy flavor that is incredibly delicious!
This barely scratches the surface of what makes sorghum such an amazing ingredient. Sorghum is showing up more and more in restaurants and kitchens around the world as people finally catch on to its versatility, health benefits, and great flavor. We invite you to visit your nearest Tupelo Honey location to try this super-crop today!