Instead of rice, it turns out that sorghum was the staple food of 5th century kings

JAKARTA – Most people are probably unfamiliar with the food called sorghum. It turns out that this was the food of previous kings. So, what is sorghum?

Sorghum is a cereal plant originating from East Africa. This plant is quite popular as an alternative food source in Indonesia and other tropical areas.

Sorghum has high nutritional content and has the potential to be a substitute for rice. Sorghum seeds are round, small in size and slightly brownish in color.

It is known that sorghum was the staple food of ancient kings before its popularity was replaced by rice.

According to John Hendra, Chair of the Local Food Working Group of the NFA Food Consumption Diversity Directorate, sorghum has a long and glorious history in Indonesia. Sorghum has been a staple food in various Indonesian kingdoms since the 5th century.

Archaeological evidence and ancient inscriptions, one of which is on the reliefs of Borobudur Temple, show that sorghum was cultivated and processed into various delicious dishes for the banquets of kings and nobles.

“Sorghum is not just ordinary food, it is a cultural heritage and national identity,” said Hendra.

Apart from its delicious taste and high nutritional content, its resistance to drought has made sorghum a favorite in the past. Sorghum can also be processed into various delicious preparations.

Sorghum can be processed into dishes, such as sorghum diamonds, sorghum tape, sorghum lontong and sorghum porridge. But unfortunately, sorghum’s popularity has been replaced by rice. Now, sorghum is marginalized and less popular.

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