In the contemporary culinary landscape, the two paramount and resounding keywords capturing the essence of the food industry are health and technology. Remarkably, this paradigm is not merely confined to the realm of culinary virtuosos but has proliferated into the lives of the common man, positioned as the ultimate beneficiaries and end consumers. Amidst the focus on mental well-being nowadays, a clear solution to this growing issue is taking care of our physical health. Beneath the surface of trying to find happiness and joy, a concerning trend has appeared where people are consuming various foods that are causing negative health effects.
Consequently, there has ensued a reversion to origins – a deep-seated exploration of the therapeutic attributes embedded within the grains cherished by our forebears. This has led to the quick comeback of millets, a type of cereal that was not valued much before. Apart from their obvious nutritional benefits, millets also help local farmers by encouraging them to grow these grains. The milieu of millets encompasses diverse variants such as Pearl millets, Sorghum, Foxtail, Finger, and Barnyard millets.
Everyone now recognizes that millets are important in our daily meals. Notably, in the southern bastions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Ragi millet has seamlessly supplanted conventional wheat flour, ingraining itself in the very tapestry of daily sustenance. Clearly, humans naturally tend to make everyday foods more interesting, and millets are a part of that. They have been cleverly used in various types of cooking, including those focused on managing weight and health. The significant arrival of special millet breads has become very popular in the food market.
Renowned bakers from around the world have eagerly adopted this food trend, adding millet-based breads to their menus as main dishes or complementary items. This is where technology comes in – it is essential for moving forward. While people have been making bread for thousands of years using basic methods, nowadays we have advanced commercial ovens that are boosting the popularity of these luxurious breads.
Consistency is extremely important. Even though skilled people can make things somewhat consistent, the rapid growth of food places needs a combination of technology and good cooking tools – things chefs really need. Commercial ovens are a great example. They do more than just bake; they control humidity while baking to make sure the texture is just right. This teamwork lets less experienced workers shine and helps restaurants grow a lot.
In conclusion, the convergence of millets and technology has orchestrated a harmonious narrative, where the realms of nutritionally rich millets and cutting-edge technology entwine seamlessly. This tale celebrates the fusion of wholesome dietary choices with culinary expertise, culminating in the creation of delectable Artisanal Millet Breads that satiate discerning palates. Ultimately, this interplay underscores the transformative potential of mindful food selection, underscoring that our culinary preferences can be a source of pleasure and well-being alike.
The author is Chef Nikhil Rastogi, UNOX