Amaranth Millet, also known as Rajgira or Ramdana in India, is a highly nutritious ancient grain that has been cultivated for centuries. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is considered a pseudo-cereal because, while it is used like a grain, it is not technically a true cereal. Amaranth is widely grown in India, particularly in the northern and western regions, and is popular due to its rich nutritional profile and health benefits.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: Amaranth grains are tiny, round, and resemble small mustard seeds. They are typically pale yellow or golden in colour.
Size: Very small, usually around 1 mm in diameter.
Texture: When cooked, Amaranth has a slightly sticky, porridge-like texture but can also be popped like popcorn for a crunchy texture.
Aroma: Amaranth has a mild, nutty aroma that becomes more pronounced when toasted.
Flavour: It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavour with nutty undertones, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and Savory dishes.
Specification:
Uses:
Food Products: Amaranth is commonly used in various forms:
Flour: Ground into flour, it is used to make flatbreads, pancakes, and gluten-free baked goods.
Popped: The grains can be puffed or popped like popcorn, often used as a topping or ingredient in snacks and breakfast cereals.
Porridge: Cooked Amaranth is used in porridges, soups, and stews for its thick, creamy consistency.
Traditional Foods: In India, Amaranth is often used during religious fasting periods to make laddoos, kheer (sweet pudding), and other fasting-friendly foods.
Nutritional Value:
Amaranth is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering high levels of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, including lysine, which is typically absent in most grains. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Being gluten-free, Amaranth is an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Additionally, it contains antioxidants and is considered beneficial for heart health, bone strength, and overall well-being.
Health Benefits:
Amaranth is known for its high protein content and is considered a complete protein because it contains all essential amino acids. It is also rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. The grain’s low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great option for individuals managing diabetes. Its calcium and magnesium content supports bone health, while the presence of antioxidants offers anti-inflammatory properties.
Amaranth Millet is an ancient superfood that continues to be valued for its nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking, making it a staple in health-conscious diets around the world.
Cultivate Seasons for India:
Amaranth millet is predominantly cultivated during the kharif season in India, with sowing usually done in June-July and harvesting in October-November.
Our Services
Reliable Sourcing:
Reliable sourcing of Amaranth Millet (Rajgira) in India involves working closely with farmers from regions known for cultivating high-quality Amaranth, such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. These areas have the optimal climate and soil conditions required for growing nutrient-dense Amaranth grains. Partnering with farmers who practice organic or sustainable farming methods is essential to ensure the crop is free from pesticides, synthetic chemicals, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Building strong relationships with these farmers ensures a consistent supply of premium-grade Amaranth that meets both domestic and international demand.
Premium Quality Assurance:
Maintaining premium quality for Amaranth Millet requires adherence to strict quality control standards throughout the entire supply chain. After harvesting, the grain is tested for purity, ensuring it is free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial agents. Amaranth should meet internationally recognized certifications such as ISO, HACCP, FSSAI, and USDA Organic, which guarantee that it is safe, clean, and of the highest nutritional quality. Moisture levels are carefully monitored to prevent spoilage, and the grain is tested for its nutrient profile, ensuring it retains its high levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Processes:
The processing of Amaranth Millet involves several key stages to ensure premium quality. First, after harvesting, the grains undergo mechanical cleaning to remove impurities like dust, stones, and other foreign particles. Advanced air-blowing machines and mechanical separators are used to achieve this. The cleaned Amaranth is then dried to reduce moisture content to below 10%, which is critical for long-term storage and preventing mold or microbial growth. The grains are sorted and graded for size, colour, and quality, ensuring that only the best grains are selected for packaging. Once sorted, Amaranth is packed in airtight, food-grade packaging to preserve its freshness and prevent contamination. Proper storage in cool, dry environments further ensures the product reaches consumers in optimal condition.
Packaging, Shipping & Delivery
Packaging:
Bags and Pouches:
For Amaranth Millet (Rajgira), high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminum foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.
Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:
These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Amaranth Millet (Rajgira). They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.
Laminated Bags:
For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.
Multi-Wall Paper Bags:
These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:
This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.
Paper or Carton Boxes:
After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.
Palletization and Wrapping:
Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.
Export Documentation:
Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.
Efficient Shipping:
Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.