Teff

Eragrostis tef — Poaceae

Italiano: Teff

Description

Teff (Eragrostis tef) belongs to the Poaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Highland cultivation environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Teff is tiny-seeded annual grass native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Source of injera flatbread.. The edible parts include Grains. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, November and October. Nutritionally, Teff stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Teff offers a Mild, slightly nutty, fermented tangy (injera) flavor profile. Grind into flour; mix with water and ferment 2-3 days; pour thin and cook. Common culinary applications include Injera flatbread, Porridge, Beer, Flour. Popular preparations include Ferment flour into batter and make injera on flat griddle. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Tiny seeds; processing requires fine grinding. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Highland cultivation across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Ferment flour into batter and make injera on flat griddle

Preparation method: Grind into flour; mix with water and ferment 2-3 days; pour thin and cook
Flavor profile: Mild, slightly nutty, fermented tangy (injera)
Edible parts: Grains

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: Tiny seeds; processing requires fine grinding
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Chicchi
Preparation: Grind into flour; mix with water and ferment 2-3 days; pour thin and cook
Flavor: Mild, slightly nutty, fermented tangy (injera)

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 60.0mg (4%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Injera flatbread, Porridge, Beer, Flour Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Ferment flour into batter and make injera on flat griddle

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Highland cultivation
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References