Teff Flour

What Is Teff Flour?

Teff flour is a flour made by milling teff (Eragrostis tef), a grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and one of the smallest grains in the world. Because the grains are so tiny, they are usually milled whole, giving the flour a whole-grain character.

Its color ranges from light brown to dark; it has a slightly nutty-sweet flavor. Its best-known use is in injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread of Ethiopian cuisine. Being naturally gluten-free makes it valuable in gluten-free diets.

Nutritional Values of Teff Flour

Teff flour is a whole-grain flour providing about 366 kcal per 100 grams, containing components such as fiber and iron; it is naturally gluten-free. Values vary by milling and brand; they are approximate.

How Should Teff Flour Be Consumed?

As a gluten-free whole-grain flour, teff flour can be used in bread, crepes, and baked goods in a balanced diet; being gluten-free, it is also suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Since it lacks gluten, it is usually blended with other flours/binders in dough.

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

How to Choose Teff Flour?

Good teff flour is dry, lump-free, fresh-smelling, and has a suitable freshness date. Products that are damp, have a rancid smell, or have unclear contents are not preferred; being produced in a gluten-free facility matters for sensitive users.

• Should be dry and lump-free
• Should smell fresh and pleasant
• Gluten-free production should be stated on the label

How Is Teff Flour Stored?

Teff flour is stored in a sealed container, in a cool, dry, and dark place; being a whole-grain flour, its fat content can turn rancid in heat. The refrigerator or freezer can be preferred for long-term storage.

Using Teff Flour in the Kitchen

Teff flour is used most in injera (a sourdough crepe-bread), gluten-free cakes and cookies, crepes/gözleme, and porridge-like recipes. Since it lacks gluten, it is usually used together with other gluten-free flours and binders in leavened doughs.

Can Teff Flour Make Bread on Its Own?

It can be used alone in flat, sourdough breads like injera; however, in classic leavened breads it generally needs to be blended with other flours and binders because it lacks gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teff flour gluten-free?

Yes; teff is naturally a gluten-free grain. Only products confirmed to be produced in a gluten-free environment are safe for sensitive users.

What is injera?

Injera is a spongy-textured, sourdough Ethiopian flatbread made from teff flour; it is laid under dishes and serves as both a plate and a utensil.

Where can teff flour be found?

It can be found in stores selling gluten-free and ethnic food products, or online; being an imported product, it may not be available in every market.