Teff Flour

What Is Teff Flour?

Teff flour is made by grinding teff (Eragrostis tef), native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and one of the world’s smallest grains. Because the grains are tiny, they are generally milled whole, giving the flour whole-grain characteristics.

Its color ranges from light to dark brown, and it has a mildly nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Its best-known use is injera, Ethiopia’s spongy sourdough flatbread. It is naturally gluten-free, making it valuable in gluten-free diets.

Teff Flour Nutrition

Teff flour is a whole-grain flour that provides approximately 366 kcal per 100 g and contains components such as fiber and iron; it naturally contains no gluten. Values vary by milling and brand and are approximate.

How Should Teff Flour Be Eaten?

As a gluten-free whole-grain flour, teff flour can be used in bread, crepes, and baked goods as part of a balanced diet; because it contains no gluten, it is also suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Since it contains no gluten, it is generally blended with other flours or binders in dough.

This is general information; teff flour is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Teff Flour

Good teff flour is dry, free of lumps, fresh-smelling, and within its freshness date. Avoid damp products, products with a rancid smell, or those with unclear ingredients; production in a gluten-free facility is important for sensitive consumers.

• It should be dry and free of lumps.
• It should smell fresh and pleasant.
• The label should state that it was produced in a gluten-free facility.

How to Store Teff Flour

Store teff flour in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place; because it is a whole-grain flour, its fat content can cause it to turn rancid in warm conditions. The refrigerator or freezer can be used for longer storage.

Using Teff Flour in the Kitchen

Teff flour is used most often for injera (a sourdough crepe-like flatbread), gluten-free cakes and cookies, crepes and gözleme (griddle flatbreads), and porridge-like recipes. Because it contains no gluten, it is generally used with other gluten-free flours and binders in baked goods that need to rise.

Can Teff Flour Make Bread on Its Own?

It can be used on its own for flat sourdough breads such as injera; however, for classic risen bread, it generally needs to be blended with other flours and binders because it contains no gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Teff Flour Gluten-Free?

Yes. Teff is naturally a gluten-free grain. However, teff can come into contact with wheat in the field, during transport, or in storage, so people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use only teff products labeled "gluten-free."

What Is Injera?

Injera is a spongy, sourdough Ethiopian bread made from teff flour; it is laid beneath the food and serves as both plate and utensil.

Where Can You Find Teff Flour?

It is available at stores that sell gluten-free and ethnic foods or online; because it is imported, it may not be available at every grocery store.