Maize vs. Millet — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
Maize is a large-grain crop predominantly used for food and biofuel, while millet comprises small-seeded grasses, prized for their drought tolerance and nutritional value.
Difference Between Maize and Millet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Maize, also known as corn, is primarily grown for its large kernels used in various food products and industrial applications, including ethanol production. Whereas millet refers to several small-seeded species of cereal grains that are not only important for human consumption but also for livestock and bird feed, especially in arid regions.
Maize thrives in regions with good water availability and rich soil nutrients, making it a staple in many temperate and tropical regions. On the other hand, millet is highly adaptable to poor soils and harsh environments, often cultivated in semi-arid areas where other grains might fail.
In terms of nutritional content, maize provides a higher amount of energy and is rich in carbohydrates. Whereas millet is noted for its high fiber content and has a better nutritional profile, with higher levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to maize.
Maize is commonly processed into various forms like cornmeal, corn syrup, and corn oil, which are integral to numerous food products and industries. Whereas millet is often consumed as whole grain, ground into flour or used to make traditional dishes like porridge and flatbreads, reflecting its versatility in culinary uses.
Culturally, maize has significant importance in the Americas, particularly in Native American agriculture and cuisine. While millet holds cultural significance in parts of Africa and Asia, where it has been a food staple for millennia, underscoring its role in traditional diets and agriculture.
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Comparison Chart
Grain Size
Large kernels
Small seeds
Primary Use
Food products, biofuel
Human food, livestock feed
Environmental Suitability
Requires good moisture and soil
Tolerates arid, nutrient-poor conditions
Nutritional Content
High carbohydrates, energy-rich
Higher in protein, fiber, vitamins
Cultural Significance
Important in the Americas
Significant in Africa and Asia
Compare with Definitions
Maize
Used in biofuel production, especially ethanol.
Maize is processed into ethanol, a renewable fuel source.
Millet
A group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops.
Millet is often used in birdseed mixes.
Maize
Featured prominently in various cultural ceremonies and dishes.
Maize plays a central role in Native American harvest festivals.
Millet
Resilient to growing in harsh environments and poor soils.
Millet thrives in areas where other grains cannot.
Maize
A cereal grain known as corn, primarily grown for its large edible kernels.
Maize is harvested in the fall when the kernels are ripe and golden.
Millet
Used in traditional foods like porridge and fermented beverages.
Millet porridge is a common breakfast in many cultures.
Maize
Maize ( MAYZ; Zea mays subsp. mays, from Spanish: maíz after Taino: mahiz), also known as corn (North American and Australian English), is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.
Millet
Consumed as a staple diet in many parts of the world.
In India, millet is used to make roti.
Maize
A Central American cereal plant that yields large grains (corn or sweetcorn) set in rows on a cob. The many varieties include some used for stockfeed and corn oil.
Millet
Rich in nutrients, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Millet is recommended for a healthy diet.
Maize
See corn1.
Millet
Millets () are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. Millets are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger), with 97% of millet production in developing countries.
Maize
A light yellow to moderate orange yellow.
Millet
A cereal grown in warm countries and regions with poor soils, bearing a large crop of small seeds which are chiefly used to make flour.
Maize
Corn; a type of grain of the species Zea mays.
Millet
Any of various annual grasses with small grains that are harvested for food, livestock feed, and birdseed, especially proso millet.
Maize
A large species of American grass of the genus Zea (Zea Mays), widely cultivated as a forage and food plant; Indian corn, commonly called corn. Also, its seed, growing on cobs, and used as food for men and animals.
Millet
The grains of any of these plants.
Maize
Tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in America in many varieties; the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times
Millet
A demographic group in the Ottoman Empire, defined in terms of religious affiliation and enjoying a degree of legal autonomy.
Maize
A strong yellow color
Millet
Any of a group of various types of grass or its grains used as food, widely cultivated in the developing world.
Maize
A staple food in many countries, used for making cornbread and tortillas.
Maize is ground into flour for baking.
Millet
(specifically) common millet, in particular Panicum miliaceum.
Maize
Essential for livestock feed in the form of silage.
Farmers often grow maize to feed livestock throughout the winter.
Millet
(historical) A semi-autonomous confessional community under the Ottoman Empire, especially a non-Muslim one.
Millet
The name of several cereal and forage grasses which bear an abundance of small roundish grains. The common millets of Germany and Southern Europe are Panicum miliaceum, and Setaria Italica.
Millet
Any of various small-grained annual cereal and forage grasses of the genera Panicum, Echinochloa, Setaria, Sorghum, and Eleusine
Millet
French painter of rural scenes (1814-1875)
Millet
Small seed of any of various annual cereal grasses especially Setaria italica
Common Curiosities
Is millet good for livestock?
Yes, millet is used as feed for livestock and is especially valued in dry regions.
What are the health benefits of millet?
Millet supports heart health and aids in diabetes management due to its high fiber and complex carbohydrates.
What are common dishes made from maize?
Dishes such as cornbread, tortillas, and polenta are made from maize.
How is maize processed?
It can be processed into various forms like cornmeal, corn syrup, and corn oil.
What is maize used for?
Maize is widely used for human consumption, livestock feed, and biofuel production.
What role does maize play in cultural ceremonies?
Maize is central to many Native American rituals and festivals.
Which has a higher nutritional value, maize or millet?
Millet generally has a higher protein, fiber, and vitamin content than maize.
How does millet adapt to harsh environments?
Millet can grow in poor soil conditions and low water availability, making it ideal for arid climates.
Can maize be grown in arid conditions?
Maize needs more water and better soil conditions compared to millet.
How long does it take for millet to grow?
Millet has a short growing season, maturing in as little as 65 days.
Where is maize most commonly grown?
It is extensively cultivated in the United States, China, and Brazil.
Are there different types of millet?
Yes, there are several types, including pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet.
What are the ecological benefits of growing millet?
Millet requires less water and can improve soil health due to its hardy nature.
How has maize impacted economies?
Maize is a critical agricultural commodity, influencing economies through its role in food supply chains and biofuel industries.
Does millet contain gluten?
No, millet is a gluten-free grain, making it a good choice for those with gluten intolerance.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
