Worried about your infant’s immunity in this COVID-19 situation?
Are you afraid if your toddler is getting sufficient nutrients for his/her age?
Are you not getting vegetables/fruits on time?
Here is an alternative food item for your babies. Sprouted Ragi Powder.
Sprouted Ragi
Introduction
Ragi contains various essential nutrients which enhances immunity. It prevents infections in babies by boosting their immunity stronger. It also has antimicrobial properties.The amino acid, tryptophan, in ragi
is a potent antioxidant.
Finger Millet, also known as Ragi is an important millet grown extensively in various regions of India and Africa. It is scientifically named as Eleusine coracana. In this article, I’m going to cover the health benefits of ragi and how it can be given for infants.
Ragi to Infants
Ragi can be introduced to infants from 6 months but after introducing the first foods such as vegetable or fruit purees. It is extremely nutritious, and it helps the baby in overall growth and development.
Health Benefits of Ragi in Infants
- A great source of iron and calcium and thus prevents malnutrition.
- Good for the stomach and helps in easy digestion.
- Low in fat and gluten-free.
- Rich in fibre and also acts as a good laxative.
Considering the overall health benefits of ragi, it is therefore, given in the form of ragi porridge for infants and also as ragi idli, ragi dosa, ragi malt, etc., for toddlers and adults.
Steps for Preparation
Let us first see how to make the sprouted ragi powder to prepare porridge, idli or dosa.
Why Sprouting?
Sprouted grains have more available nutrients than regular grains. The process of sprouting increases the calcium levels and reduces anti-nutrients which lock the minerals that are hard to be digested by the body.
Preparation of Homemade Sprouted Ragi Powder for Infants
Sprouted Ragi Powder – porridge 2 
Sprouted Ragi Powder – porridge 4
- Soak Ragi overnight (approximately 8 to 12 hrs).
- Wash it around 5 to 7 times (until the water remains clear) well in running water.
- Completely drain the excess water and keep the ragi for sprouting process in a cool place.
- It will take at least 12 hrs for the sprouts to grow.
- Once the ragi has sprouted, transfer the ragi to a plate and allow it to sundry for 2 days.
- Dry roast the sprouted ragi and allow it to cool.
- Grind them to a fine powder in a commercial mill and sieve it to get a fine powder.
- Store in a clean, dry, airtight container.
Preparation of Ragi Porridge
Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons full of ragi powder in water without lumps, boil over medium flame till the ragi powder is well cooked. Add jaggery or any kind of fruit or vegetable purees according to the sweet taste of your infants.
Note: Please consult your paediatrician before introducing any kind of food in your little one’s diet.
Consumption
- Sprouted ragi powder should be consumed within 2 to 3 months with appropriate storage mechanisms defined.
- Sprouted ragi powder is used for many supplementary dishes like Ragi Dosa, Ragi Idli, Pancakes, Kheer, Halwa.
- Since it can be given for kids till age of 3 years this becomes a recurring business model
Market Sizing
Consider following parameters if you have to do it in bulk.
- Target Segment
- Middle class
- Upper middle class
- Potential Customers
- Primary – Babies upto age 3 years.
- Secondary – Adults for Ragi supplements
- Total Market Size Formula
- Components Used (Optional )
- Market Size Calculations
- Total Market Size
Sample Market Sizing Table (Only for reference)
| Percentage of Population | Number of Families (In Millions) | Number of Members per family | Total Number of People (In Millions) | |
| Upper Class | 2% | 1.5 | 2 | 3 |
| Upper Middle Class | 8% | 6.5 | 1 | 6.5 |
| Lower Middle Class | 50% | 37 | 1 | 37 |
| Low Income | 40% | 30 | 1 | 30 |
Excited… What next ?
If you are willing to try this homemade product send us an email (or) WhatsApp with the details.
