What is Teff?

What the “Teff”?

What is this food called Teff? I was careful to avoid the the word ‘new’ as similar to kale it has been around for many years… yet due to the recent health movement trend and realisation for gorgeous colour and tastiness these ‘legend (not super) foods’ have stirred much more fan fare… Admittedly Kale is more comparable to the New York Yankees whilst at this point in time Teff is somewhat the newest team to the minor leagues. Plenty of potential, just biding its time to build its greatness..

So what is this legend? Well Teff is an Ancient Grain found natively in Ethiopia… Go you Ethiopia!!!! Teff’s tiny poppy like seed dimensions are high in:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Protein
• and just like all recent epic food trends are #GlutenFree …. #Winning!!

Why I love this bad boy?

Well not only does it contain 8 awesome amino acids for as you all know repairing your body… but its quality phosphorus and magnesium are essential for contractile elements (ie. they help your body operate movements easily), it contains a significant amount of Vitamin C (rare for a grain) … and to top it off it is rich in iron which means Teff is particularly beneficial for women. We always here the need for women to make sure they maintain their iron levels… so this makes it even more special!!

But as always for me the number one rule is its flavour… and due to its genetic make up this little legend is so versatile and takes on a lot of forms… think of it as the chameleon of food (not for colour-but it uses its surroundings to benefit itself 😉 ). In Ethiopia it is traditionally grown to produce injera, an awesome sourdough flatbread,

Why Now?

Well due to the combination of its health benefits and tasty absorbing skills Teff is being looked at as the next amazing thing to get into our lives and benefit our families worldwide (make some room quinoa). Countries such as the USA, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Israel and of course Australia are now growing it as they see the positive impact it will have on the overall well being of their population

Where to get it?

I have not travelled to all the countries, currently being in New York City I have seen it at a few health stores, however in particular with Australia the big retailer Coles is continuing to expand its legendary health isle and are stocking it throughout Australian stores.

Well due to the combination of its health benefits and tasty absorbing skills Teff is being looked at as the next amazing thing to get into our lives and benefit our families worldwide (make some room quinoa). Countries such as the USA, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Israel and of course Australia are now growing it as they see the positive impact it will have on the overall well being of their population

Where to get it?

I have not travelled to all the countries, currently being in New York City I have seen it at a few health stores, however in particular with Australia the big retailer Coles is continuing to expand its legendary health isle and are stocking it throughout Australian stores.

How to cook Teff?

This is the best thing about Teff it is so versatile and can go from a creamy consistency right through to something more like a polenta chip!!!

Generally speaking it is, for every 1 Cup of Teff add 2 1/2 Cups of water. Combine in a medium pot on high heat, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook for 12-15 minutes or until it has reached a cooked polenta like consistency (its creamy with little granulates still present). To make it thicker simply reduce the liquid amount and take the lid off earlier during the cooking process. Do the opposite for a creamier consistency.

Recipes for Teff

It would be rude not to give you some of my favourite ways to have some fun with this tastiness, so get involved, click the three links to my recipes below, enjoy and open your family to some serious healthy tastiness

xo DC