Description

Foxtail Millet (Thinai / Kangni / Korra / Navane) – 100% Unpolished Whole Grain

Foxtail millet – known as Thinai in Tamil, Kangni in Hindi, Korra in Telugu, and Navane in Kannada – is one of India’s oldest cultivated grains. Used in temple offerings, harvest festivals, and everyday South Indian kitchens for centuries, it carries both a heritage and a flavour that modern polished grains simply cannot replicate.

At Standard Store, foxtail millet is sourced from traditional farming communities in dryland regions of South India. Each batch arrives unhusked, is cleaned carefully to remove debris, and is packed without polishing – so the grain reaches you with its natural bran layer completely intact.

When cooked, foxtail millet turns beautifully soft and slightly fluffy with a warm, nutty earthiness. It absorbs the flavours of tempering and spices deeply, making it a natural fit for upma, pongal, and khichdi. Soaked overnight and ground, it produces a batter with a gentle tang perfect for crisp dosa and soft idli. Simmered with jaggery and coconut milk, it becomes a comforting sweet porridge that feels like home.

The outer bran layer – preserved because the grain is unpolished – is what gives foxtail millet its characteristic texture: slightly grainy on the outside, yielding and soft within. This is the version your grandmother’s kitchen would have used.

Key Highlights

• Naturally gluten-free – no wheat, no cross-contamination in processing
• 100% unpolished – outer bran layer fully intact, no polishing agents used
• High dietary fibre content – typical of whole, unprocessed grains
• Mild nutty aroma – enhances the flavour of traditional recipes naturally
• Versatile whole grain – works in both savoury and sweet preparations
• Can replace white rice in everyday meals for textural variety

How Is Foxtail Millet Made

Foxtail millet is harvested from dryland fields, sun-dried to optimal moisture, and then cleaned using air separation and sieving. It is not polished – the outer bran remains untouched. The grain is then weighed and sealed in hygienic packaging to preserve freshness through storage and transit.

How to Cook Foxtail Millet

• Rinse twice under cold water to remove surface dust.
• Soak for 20–30 minutes for faster, more even cooking (optional).
• Use a 1:2.5 ratio of millet to water.
• Simmer covered on low heat for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed.
• Rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Soaking time tip: 20 minutes is sufficient for upma and pongal. For dosa batter, soak 4–6 hours alongside urad dal.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair foxtail millet with our cold pressed gingelly oil for an authentic South Indian thinai upma. Use our cold pressed groundnut oil for a mild, nutty khichdi base. The grain’s earthy tone also pairs beautifully with coconut, curry leaf, and mustard seed tempering.

Aroma Profile

Mild, warm, faintly nutty – more subtle than jowar or ragi, making it ideal for dishes where the seasoning should shine.

Who Is This For

• Families looking for a rice alternative with more texture and fibre
• Those following traditional South Indian or Ayurvedic diets
• Home cooks exploring heritage grains for everyday meals

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Transfer to an airtight container after opening. Best used within 6 months of opening.

Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Do not store near cooking steam or in damp areas – moisture causes the grain to harden and lose its cooking quality.

Why Standard Store

Standard Store began with a simple idea: to bring traditionally prepared food back to modern kitchens. From our cold pressed oils to our heritage grains, natural sweeteners, and handmade snacks – every product is made with the same principles. Minimal processing. Honest sourcing. No unnecessary additives.

We trace each ingredient back to the farming region it comes from, clean and process it with care, and seal it to preserve freshness. Our goal is straightforward: food that is consistent, honest, and made the way it has always been made.

Browse our full range of traditional grains and millets → standardcoldpressedoil.com/millets

Product Information

Attribute	Details
Product Name	Foxtail Millet (Thinai/Kangni/Korra/Navane)
Brand	Standard Store
Type	Whole Grain Millet
Processing	100% Unpolished
Form	Raw Grain
Diet Type	Vegetarian, Vegan
Gluten Content	Naturally Gluten-Free
Origin	South India
Aroma	Mild, Nutty
Texture After Cooking	Soft, Slightly Fluffy
Usage	Dosa, Idli, Upma, Khichdi, Pongal, Porridge, Pulao
Soaking Time	20–30 minutes (optional)
Water Ratio	1 cup millet : 2.5 cups water
Cook Time	15–18 minutes
Shelf Life	12 months sealed; 6 months after opening
Storage	Cool, dry, airtight container
Packaging	Hygienically sealed

FAQ

What is foxtail millet and what are its regional names?

Foxtail millet is one of India’s oldest cultivated grains. It is called Thinai in Tamil, Kangni in Hindi, Korra in Telugu, and Navane in Kannada. It has a mild nutty taste and a soft, fluffy texture when cooked.

Is foxtail millet gluten-free?

Yes. Foxtail millet is naturally gluten-free and contains no wheat-derived ingredients.

What is the water ratio and cook time for foxtail millet?

Use 1 cup millet to 2.5 cups water. Cook covered on low heat for 15–18 minutes. Optional soaking for 20–30 minutes improves texture.

Can foxtail millet replace rice in everyday cooking?

Yes. It can be used as a rice substitute in meals, prepared as pulao, or used as the grain base in khichdi and pongal.

Why is unpolished millet better than polished millet?

Unpolished millet retains its outer bran layer, which gives it its characteristic texture and fibre content. Polished millet has this layer removed during processing, leaving a softer but nutritionally stripped grain.

How should foxtail millet be stored?

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Avoid storing near cooking steam. Best consumed within 6 months of opening.