A teff seed's small size betrays its high nutritional value. Many of Ethiopia's famous distance runners attribute their stamina to teff, and it's long been a significant component of traditional diets on the Horn of Africa, where it's most typically pounded into flour and served as injera, the region's traditional flatbread. With the growing interest in "ancient grains," or grains that have not been altered through selective breeding or other genetic alterations, teff is gaining popularity in the rest of the world.
Teff is an ancient grain from Africa and it is one of their country's traditional foods. It is considered to be one of the most highly nutritious grains despite being very small in size. One of the highlight features of teff is that it doesn't contain gluten making it gluten-free.
Teff functions in a similar way to barley, quinoa and whole grain and it is often made into flour for baking and cooking. Teff is also on the expensive side of grains comparatively due to its difficult harvesting. But it is often said that the benefits of teff are well worth the price.
How To Cook With Teff?
Cooking with teff is basically the same as with other grains. Just like you would do with any other grain, you can simmer teff while using a teff-to-liquid ration depending on the consistency that you want your dish to have.
They are also crunchy, so keeping a 1:1 teff-to-liquid ratio would be ideal if you want to sprinkle these grains on muffins, soups, steamed veggies, oatmeal or anything that you want to add a little crunch.
Teff is also used to make creamier dishes such as porridge or as a base to make pulaos or pilafs or any other dish where you use your common whole grains. Simply substitute teff in place of them and you will be good to go.
What Does Teff Taste Like?
As mentioned earlier, teff is quite similar to many other grains. Its flavour can be described as nutty, mild and earthly. Although there might be very minor changes in flavour depending upon the brand but usually, they will all taste the same.
Nutritional Profile
Teff is one of the healthiest grains on the planet. It is rich in many essential nutrients from calcium, fibre iron to protein. Teff is also gluten-free so people who are gluten sensitive, don't have to worry much. A true nutritional powerhouse.
Storage Instructions
Uncooked teff will stay fresh for up to two years in an airtight container in a cool and dry place whereas the flour will stay up to a year.
Cooked teff on the other hand will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Also, it is not recommended to freeze the teff as it hinders its texture and spoils the overall taste once defrosted.