Ethiopia may soon be known for being the birthplace of the next “superfood” – teff. The first time I heard a non-Ethiopian talk about teff was when my friend last year told me that one of the gluten-free bloggers she followed religiously had written a profile about teff, claiming it was ideal for baking gluten-free brownies.
“It’s a grain found in Ethiopia,” my friend told me, “Have you heard of it before?”
“Have I heard of teff before?!”
Not only had I heard of it, but as an Ethiopian, I had grown up eating it regularly. Teff is the main ingredient in injera, the large, spongy pancakes that make up a large portion of the Ethiopian diet.
The sudden interest of teff by Americans surprised me, but I soon discovered that teff has recently gotten the same attention as other foreign foods that have huge health benefits like the acai berry and, of course, quinoa. Though teff was a regular part of my diet, I had no idea how nutritious the grain was. Here are some of the many benefits of teff:
- It’s high in calcium, fiber, protein, iron, and vitamin C (among other minerals and vitamins).
- It’s low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
- It’s gluten-free.
- It has a low glycemic index.
- It’s versatile—can be used for baking, as a thickening agent, or eaten as a porridge.
- It’s a high-yield crop that can grow in a variety of climates, making it a dependable crop.
Until recently, teff was virtually only grown in Ethiopia, though it can also be found in neighboring countries like Eritrea and Djibouti. But now, due to its rising global popularity, companies like Bob’s Red Mill, Love Grain, and Maskal Teff are growing and selling teff or teff products in the US and Europe. Apparently it’s got the perfect flavor and texture for baked goods, in addition to health benefits. Who knew? As teff becomes more popular, well-known chefs and bakers, health gurus, journalists, bloggers, and even celebrities are writing about and experimenting with different recipes that include teff.
17 Comments
Berhanu Wolde
I graduated from Adama Sceince and Technology University by Agribusiness Management and I have 2 year work experience relevant to this field.and I would like to work with you.
mesay wodaje
i graduated from m/maryam by plant since and i have degree ager economics and i have 10 years to kebly and wored ager office i would like to work and join your jop .
Teferi
Amazing! It is important to hear that our beloved teff is being recognized by the well developed nations. Hope it will equally be dependable as the world is dependable on Fuel soon.
dawit
feel great, Tefffff is g’na to be our pride
danieltesfayeteshome@yahoo.com
Thanks to Almighty God to hear this kind of AN EXCELLENT NEWS. Always I think to hear this .
Dan.
Gebrehiwot Zibelo
I graduated from Haremaya(former Alemaya university) department of plan science , Nice to hear about this crop & I have 8 years in experience in agronomy . I practiced in maximizing the yield teff by transplanting , row planting & other agronomic practice with Farmers in Tahtay may chew woreda . I hope fully also to continue my study on this crop.
Gebrehiwot Zibelo
I graduated from Haremaya(former Alemaya university) department of plan science , Nice to hear about this crop & I have 8 years experience in agronomy . I practiced in maximizing the yield teff by transplanting , row planting & other agronomic practice with Farmers in Tahtay may chew woreda . I hope fully also to continue my study on this crop.
fantay sharew
I am graduated of BSc Biology from Hawassa university two years ago and have two years experience in Biological laboratory.
Gurmesa Awas
I am graduated of BSc in Applied Biology from Ambo university and have four years experience in Biological Research
Redai Weldegebriel Emb
I graduated from Haremaya(former Alemaya university) department of plant science , I have 5 years in experience in agronomy . now I am teff researcher at tigray agricultural research institution. and I would like to join your job.
berhanu wondie
It gives endless happiness to hearing that our beloved teff is being recognized by the well developed nations. we Hope that the world totally depend on our delightful resource. I am graduated from arba minch University with applied chemistry & I need to work on its assuring for all world.
Addis Alemu
Check this out !
tesfaye
i want any work
Melaku Anteneh
Teff As I read from other religious books not only the ancient crop but it is one of the food eaten by Adam in Heaven.
Habtamu Yirga
good info.
teshome
all ethioipians feed it interstingly
Lawanda
Stellar work there evreyone. I’ll keep on reading.