Eragrostis tef

Eragrostis tef, also known as teff, Williams' lovegrass or annual bunch grass, is a species of lovegrass native to the Horn of Africa, notably to Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 and 1000 BC.

Description

Eragrostis tef is an annual grass, characterized by an attractive, fine-textured, bunching habit. It grows rapidly, reaching a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. The plant has a shallow, fibrous root system. The stems are slender and erect, with narrow, linear leaves up to 40 cm long. The inflorescence is a dense, elongated panicle up to 40 cm long and 1 cm wide. The tiny seeds, less than 1 mm in diameter, are the smallest of all cereal grains.

Cultivation and uses

Eragrostis tef is cultivated for its edible seeds, also known as teff. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, teff is a staple food, used to make injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread. Teff is also used in traditional drinks and foods such as kita, and tej, a honey wine.

Teff is high in protein and dietary fiber, and provides a good source of manganese, iron, and calcium. The grain is gluten-free, making it a suitable food for people with celiac disease.

In addition to its food uses, Eragrostis tef is also used as fodder for livestock, particularly in Ethiopia where it is an important feed resource.

Research

Research into Eragrostis tef has focused on improving its agronomic characteristics, such as yield and disease resistance, as well as its nutritional properties. The potential of teff as a crop in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Australia, is also being explored.

See also

• List of Ethiopian dishes and foods
• Agriculture in Ethiopia

References

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