Why you should be eating this super-grain you've never heard of

Teff is a tiny grain that is grown in Ethiopia and is mostly commonly used to make injera - the sourdough flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture that is a national dish in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Image: @MosaicAffairs

But this little grain has some not-so-little powers! Along with being gluten-free and high in iron, this superfood is perfect for vegetarians - it's got more protein in it than quinoa. The fact that it is a complete protein (i.e. it has all the essential amino acids) makes it one of the only vegetarian foods to fit that profile. And not only that - it's the only seed to contain Vitamin C.

The size of a poppy seed, teff is the smallest grain-like seed in existence and one of the fastest growing: in just 12 weeks of its growing cycle, one pounds of teff turns into 2,000 pounds. That's double the growing potential than wheat, so it's not wonder that Ethiopians have been using teff to provide their body's with nutrients for long periods of time for hundreds of years.

So why is it so good for you?

Just one serving of teff provides 123 milligrams of calcium which is the same of a portion of spinach! Teff also contains 20 percent of your daily iron requirements and 25 percent of your daily magnesium requirements, which can help regulate your metabolism, enhance energy, maintain regularity, and help you relax and rest. Teff also contains more protein than quinoa, with 7 grams in just 1/4 of a cup! In that same serving you’ll also get 4 grams of fiber, which makes this grain a fantastic choice for your digestion. 

What can I do with it?

Aside injera, there are other things you can do with teff:

1. Gluten-Free, Vegan, Oil-Free Walnut Brownies
   
   

   Image & Recipe: Oh She Glows

    

2. Teff Polenta
   

   Image & Recipe: About Food

3. Chocolate Teff Porridge
   

   Image & Recipe: Naturally Ella

   Featured Image: @thecupboardsf