Thanks, Gary. This helps fill out the picture we have of this lesser-known millet in the US. I'll post separately some short videos on browntop outside of the southeast US. Regarding use as food of varieties in the US generally grown for wildlife or as cover crops, I wonder how their grains compare with those of varieties in India grown specifically for food uses. For the latter, browntop is imported and marketed in this part of the world under various labels, some of which I personally have noted more than once (selling more than one millet) in different stores that specialize in South Asian foods. These include for example, Manna, Shastha, and Chakka (not to downplay others that I have only seen online). For a selection of packaged browntop millet food products, mainly grains, see https://www.pinterest.com/drdonosborn/millets-plural/browntop-millet/ Don DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Mon, Sep 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM Gary Wietgrefe <gww374@gmail.com> wrote:
Good to hear health benefits of brown top millet, which in the U.S. South is often referred to as "brown" millet.
*Brown top seed* is widely available throughout the South from Texas to Florida north to Virginia and used primarily for short-season grazing and wildlife plots.
*Brown top for Food*: For those wanting brown top seed for culinary processing and uses can access brown top grain from seed suppliers. Just ask for clean (conditioned) and bagged grain before any seed treatments are applied.
*Domesticated vs. wild*: In the last month there has been some discussion of Guinea millet being lost or perhaps only available in uncultivated "wild" locations. Although "domesticated" crops are those that cannot sustain themselves when not cultivated, there are many exceptions because all organisms' goal, first and foremost, is to produce offspring. It is not only true with plants. Animals are good examples. Horses and camels have been domesticated for thousands of years, but offspring of horses brought to North America by Spaniards four centuries ago roam, breed, and thrive as "wild horses" throughout the western U.S. states. Likewise, about 200 years ago camels were shipped to Australia. Some escaped or were uncared for and roam wild.
*Millet as weed*: Brown top millet, though domesticated, can reproduce in the wild and become a grassy weed pest in cultivated crops. As the case with other seeds, the deeper the cultivation after harvest, the longer brown top millet survives in the soil appearing as a pesty weed later. University of Georgia makes that reference: Browntop Millet - Species & Varieties | Forages <https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/browntop-millet.html>. In the Corn Belt, genetically modified corn with glyphosate tolerance volunteers in soybeans the following year. Since most soybeans are also are genetically modified to be glyphosate tolerant, glyphosate (a.k.a. Roundup) herbicide does not control the previous year's volunteer corn. That does not mean growers should stop planting corn or brown top millet--it just takes different agronomic management....Gary Wietgrefe
On Sun, Sep 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
Came across this Instragram item on browntop millet, and pass it on without being able to give much context. However it seems to introduce a factor in the chemistry of this grain worth noting:
From "The Millet with Alkalizing Effects," by MJ, food technologist https://www.instagram.com/reel/DComdJDSEKG/?hl=en
"Browntop millet stands out among millets for its remarkable alkaline nature. This unique property stems from its nutrient composition.
"What Are Alkaline-Forming Foods? Alkaline-forming foods help maintain the body’s optimal pH balance by reducing acidity and promoting a slightly alkaline state (pH 7.35–7.45). This balance is crucial for metabolic functions, bone health, and reducing inflammation. Browntop millet among millets is one such food that supports this balance naturally.
"Why Is Browntop Millet Alkaline-Forming? Rich in Alkaline Minerals: Browntop millet contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are metabolized into alkaline compounds. These minerals neutralize acidic by-products in the body, helping maintain pH balance. Magnesium, in particular, plays a critical role in reducing acidity and supporting enzyme functions that aid in detoxification.
"Low Acid-Forming Potential: Unlike many processed grains and acidic foods, browntop millet has a low acid-forming potential. This means that its digestion and metabolism result in minimal acidic residue, making it easier on the stomach and the body’s buffering systems.
"Antioxidant Content: Browntop millet is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation caused by an acidic diet. These antioxidants further support the body’s detoxification and pH-regulating processes.
"High Fiber Content: Its abundant fiber not only aids in detoxification but also creates an alkaline environment in the gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall pH balance.
"While all millets offer health benefits, browntop millet is particularly noteworthy for its potent alkalizing effect.
"Incorporating browntop millet into your meals—whether as porridge, dosa, or pilaf—can be a simple yet effective way to harness its alkalizing power. This humble grain truly exemplifies how traditional foods can provide modern health solutions."
Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance
-- Author, Gary W. Wietgrefe, https://www.RelatingtoAncients.com/ *Destination North Pole--5,000 km by bicycle* is an exciting, endearing, humorous, dangerous and sometimes quirky travel adventure. Hardcover, paperback and e-books are available on Amazon or other on-line retailers. My other books tie education, school system, parenting, technology, and business with 21st century culture and learning.