Why Pierre Thiam Loves Fonio, a West African Super Grain Good for Health and the Environment

Pierre Thiam, a chef and advocate for introducing traditional African ingredients into Western culture, is a big fan of fonio, a nutrient-dense ancient grain from West Africa. Fonio is gluten-free and rich in essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice. It is also sustainable, requiring minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides and benefiting soil health. Thiam's brand, Yolélé, is making fonio more accessible by selling a range of fonio products and supporting rural smallholder farmers in West Africa.

Fonio can be used in various dishes, from porridge to baked goods, and is available for purchase on Amazon from brands like Aduna, Imphex, Mamela, and Yolélé. The unique range of fonio products includes Fonio Pilaf, Fonio Chips, and cookbooks like The Fonio Cookbook. By choosing to incorporate fonio into their diets, consumers can support sustainability efforts and help transform communities in the West African Sahel region.