Grains - Teff

🌟 Maybe it has become evident, but we are working hard to ensure that trying new things isn’t too difficult to do with items on hand and the WILLINGNESS to try! The grains series is nearing the end but not over quite yet.

🌾 We can’t forget to discuss the ancient grain…Teff.

🌍 The smallest grain in the world, teff is similar in size to a poppy seed! It comes to us from Ethiopia. As a grain, it varies in color from a reddish-brown to light ivory. Teff is hearty in nature due to its ability to thrive in wet or dry conditions.

🌀 It may be known to have a sour taste, but that’s due to the fact it is often fermented when used, especially when making Ethiopian bread, Injera.

🥞 If not fermented, teff takes on a mild, nutty flavor and is excellent in baking. Teff pumpkin pancakes anyone?! It is a fall after all! Make sure to try the recipe in the comments! Don’t let the dark color fool you…these hearty cakes are loaded with flavor and will power you up for hours due to the presence of natural fiber and protein.

🥛 Yep, add it to the list… another complete plant powered protein rich grain - woot woot!
Teff’s claim to fame is its calcium content. 1 cup of cooked teff contains 123 mg calcium, which is about the same amount found in ½ cup cooked spinach. That’s also 5x the amount found in whole wheat!

💥 In addition, teff is high in resistant starch, known to improve gut health and control blood sugar. Teff is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and iron, copper and zinc. Geesh… that’s a lot of nutritional power all crammed into the tiniest little grain on earth!

👏🏼 This wheat free grain makes it an excellent wheat alternative without sacrificing any of the nutritional goodness. Preparation is easy peasy! No need to rinse this grain prior to cooking, and all you need is 10 minutes to prepare due to its small size! Although more commonly used in baking (FYI: it pairs extremely well with chocolate), it also can be used in stews, pilafs, stuffing or to create porridge.