There is a bunch of huge millet plants growing under my birdfeeder. Can I eat the stalks? They look tasty.?

Question

It's just that millet is in the same family as bamboo, and you can eat that. I tried a tiny bit and it was sweet, but I'm not sure if eating a bunch would hurt me or not.

There are leaves wrapped around the outside (like corn) and no visible doodie...

I ate some about an hour ago and I feel fine.

Answer 1

You've already learned they aren't directly poisonous. The only health problem I've ever heard of from eating any grain stalk is that they are fairly abrasive. As the plant grows it concentrates silica (basically sand) and making a habit of eating it can wear down your teeth.

Nutrition-wise there's not too much there other than a few calories and maybe some minerals (other than silica), but at least you're getting fiber. On the other hand, if you juice the shoots (when they're just an inch or two tall) they are *loaded* with all kinds of goodness (just like wheatgrass)!

Just so you know, way back when I was a kid I used to irritate my uncles to no end by chewing on the leaves and stalks of the millet, milo, wheat, corn etc they were farming.

Answer 2

This Mexican Millet Recipe

2 Cups Millet
4 Cups Water
4 T Dehydrated Onion

Step 1: Just put the millet, water, and onion into a saucepan and bring to a boil on high.

Step 2: Then, reduce to a simmer (medium/low) and set a timer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: When timer rings, it should be done. Check with a fork. Reach down to the bottom and look to see if all the water is gone. If not, set for 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Add the spices below and stir well.

2 T. Chili Powder
2 T. Cumin Powder
2 T. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Nama Shoyu or Bragg's Liquid Aminos (I use Shoyu)
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (You could use less)

Step 5: Eat and enjoy! The Mexican Millet is one of the easiest Millet Recipe combinations that we have.

Answer 3

Millet is edible but to eat whats under a bird feeder I sure wouldn't! Even if you cleaned it up good it's likely got some chemicals from the bird poop! That sure isn't vegetarian. Sure sometimes we can't entirely get away from manure cause some dumb companies use that to grow their veggies and then sell them as organic!
You've posted in the Vegetarian and Vegan spot! Hence the talk I said! I often buy Millet bread from the health food store!

Answer 4

I've had millet in bread & casseroles but always the seeds, not sure how palatable the stalks would be.
We usually get a 'surprise' crop growing under our bird feeders too. Usually I just leave 'em there for the birds but we've harvested an occasional flower.
I wouldn't let bird poop stop me if I wanted to try the stalks-- just trim it & wash it. There have probably been birds in the vicinity of the organic produce we buy.

Answer 5

Not unless you wash them off extremely well, they have been under the bird house!

Millet is Is considered a grain that people have juiced, made cereals out of, etc.

Answer 6

I give millet to my parrot and she loves it. I never thought to try it myself...I'm going to try it...how could it hurt? I have to wait till tomorrow so I don't go in there and wake her up!

Answer 7

Dandelions make a nice salad also while you are out there....just make sure no one put weedkiller on the grass.

Answer 8

Eww. Go ahead and try it. Maybe could steam it,add butter and salt/pepper. Don't forget to let us know how it turns out.

Answer 9

If they're under your bird feeder they're probably covered in bird poop. I wouldn't eat them.