Teff, also known as lovegrass, is an important food grain in Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it is used to make injera. Teff is also grown on a small scale for human consumption in India, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States, and as cattle feed in South Africa. Teff is believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 BCE and 1000 BCE. and produces up to two-thirds of the total food provision of Ethiopia.
Teff is the world's smallest cereal, with each grain being less than 1/32 in (0.8 mm) in diameter. It takes 150 grains of teff to make up the mass of a single grain of wheat. Due to its small size, teff has a very large percentage of its mass made up of the bran and germ of the seed. It is also difficult and expensive to remove the bran and germ of such a small grain, so almost all teff products and teff flour are made of whole grain teff. While not a complete protein like quinoa, a 2-ounce serving of teff has 7 grams of protein, equal to an extra large egg. Teff is low in fat (1 gram per 2-ounce serving), and high in fibre (8 grams per 2-ounce serving). Teff is also a good source of niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, boron, phosphorous and potassium.Teff is high in protein. It is considered to have an excellent amino acid composition (including all 8 essential amino acids for humans) and has lysine levels higher than wheat or barley. It is high in carbohydrates and fibre. It contains no gluten, so it is appropriate for those with gluten intolerance or Coeliac disease.Teff can be used as a substitute for any flour in pastas, breads, pastries, cakes and puddings.
Both the white and brown teff grain have the versatility of corn meal and millet. Delicious in porridge, stews, stuffing, and pilaf, teff is delicious cooked alone or in combination with other grains and vegetables. Simply cook 1 cup teff with 3 cups water or stock. Season with one or more of the following spices for a tasty dish: cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cardamom, chilies, basil and cilantro. Teff is quick cooking, too. No need to pre-rinse, teff comes clean, already passed through a series of screens after the harvest. Teff is ideal for a fast meal, ready in 20 minutes. And when it comes to making pastries, white and brown teff flour make superb pancakes, piecrusts, and cookies.