What Is Sorghum?

Sorghum is one of those weird foodstuffs that some people have never heard of and other people consider it to be the best thing ever. For example, one time I went out to brunch with a friend that I made up for this story. I opened the menu and saw you could get sorghum syrup with the pancakes. I was all like, “What the heck is sorghum syrup?” And my make-believe friend said it was their favorite thing and just laid into me for not knowing. Then they stole my wallet and ran out of the restaurant. Fortunately, that make-believe friend is in make-believe jail now, but I’m still clueless when it comes to sorghum. 

What is sorghum? Is sorghum a grain? What is sorghum flour? What is sorghum syrup? What is sorghum used for? What does sorghum taste like? Let’s get some answers!

What is sorghum?

Sorghum is an ancient cereal grain that is originally from Africa. That’s right, sorghum is a grain! Sorghum is extremely popular in Africa and India. It was introduced to the United States around the 1850s and is now a staple crop. It was used mainly in the Southern U.S. historically, but has recently become more popular as sweetener and flour because of its gluten free properties. Sorghum is also a popular crop because it is heat and drought resistant. 

What does sorghum taste like? 

It depends how you use it. Sorghum flour has a nutty, light flavor. Sorghum syrup tastes similar to honey. It’s sweet with a hint of sour.

What is sorghum flour?

I mentioned sorghum flour earlier, but let’s really get into it. What is sorghum flour? When sorghum grain grows, it can look pretty similar to corn crops. Then, right at the end of its growth cycle, it flowers. That cereal grain is ground down into a smooth flour with a texture similar to whole wheat flour. Sorghum flour is gluten-free so it has become popular with gluten sensitive folks. Gluten flour is also sometimes called jowar flour. It’s great for cakes, cookies, and bread.

What is sorghum syrup?

Sorghum syrup is a sweetener. It is dark brown, very thick, and similar to molasses. Sorghum syrup has historically been a cheap substitute for more expensive sweeteners in baked goods in the South. Sorghum syrup comes from refining the juices and stalks of sorghum plants while molasses is made from sugar cane. Sorghum syrup has a slightly sour and sweet flavor.

What is sorghum used for?

Are you seriously asking that question? Didn’t you read any of this? No? You just skipped to this part? Fine. Sorghum is used in a variety of foods. Sorghum can be eaten straight up as a grain, popped into popcorn, made into a sweetener syrup, and milled into flour. In addition to people food, sorghum has commercial use in agriculture feed and ethanol production. Sorghum is pretty versatile stuff. I can see why my make-believe friend likes it so much! I should go visit them in jail and bring them some sorghum. I won’t, but I should.