From Old World to New World |
Sorghum--more than just chicken feed.
Sorghum
Sorghum bicolor
Heritage
Native to Africa, the grain once called "guinea corn"
had arrived in America by 1700 with slaves. By 1743, Sorghum's presence
in the colonies was noted. With it, African Americans made bread, pudding,
and brooms. The small grains also made good eating for their chickens. Leaves
and stems can be toxic.
Leaves and stems are toxic.
Present Use
As Americans settled the drier lands west of the Mississippi, the drought resistant properties of sorghum made this grain very attractive. It is now an importnat crop worldwide. It still nourishes chickens and refreshes people, too--beer is made with sorghum.
