Philippines

It looks and tastes close to rice, but has slightly nutty flavor. It’s similar to al dente pasta and fluffy rice but the grains are a bit larger. Compared to white corn grits, cooked adlai grains are softer in texture and more compact. It is slightly chewy which can be an adjustment for some people. 

1. It is an energy-dense and nutritionally-dense food. It is a perfect energy boost that leaves you full longer.  If you are restricting your calories, you may eat ⅓ to ½ cup of it per meal. 

2.  It is a good source of protein contributing 14% of its macronutrient distribution. Carbohydrates and fats contribute 83% and 3% respectively.

4. It is also high in dietary fiber which nourishes healthy probiotic bacteria in our gut, removes bad cholesterol from the body and slows down absorption of glucose in the body.

5. It is a high in calcium which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth and is very important in nerve transmission, blood clotting and muscular function.

3. It has a low glycemic index rating of 35 whereas glucose is 100.  What does it mean? Carbohydrates with a low GI value (55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolized and cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose and, therefore usually, insulin levels. This makes it completely safe for those who are watching their blood sugar levels. 

4. It’s a gluten-free grain which is great for people with gluten-sensitivity.

How to Use Adlai
For every cup of adlai, add 2 or 3 cups of water. Try each ratio and decide which of the ratios you prefer. For a fluffier texture, pre-soak the grain in cold water for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight after the initial cleaning. 

It can also be used as an ingredient in soups and broth. The grain can be ground into flour and used to make bread, pasta, and porridge. 

For desserts, adlai can be cooked into maja blanca, champorado, polvoron and turones de adlai. It can also be used to make our kakanin. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, adlai is used extensively as an alternative medicine leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties for treating the painful effects of rheumatism and lower lung inflammation and damage.

