Teff Health Benefit

OSU EXTENSION FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH
Health Benefits
of Teff
Teff is a tiny grain, smaller than a poppy seed, in the millet It is also a good source of copper, potassium, phosphorus,
family. Its name comes from the Amharic word “lost” since, selenium and is low in sodium.
due to it’s small size, it is often lost in harvesting. Because Fiber
the grain is too small to mill, all varieties of teff are whole
grain. Teff has a high fiber content per serving. When cooked,
teff has a lower glycemic index compared to other grains,
Teff is grown mostly in Ethiopia, a country, famous for its preventing blood sugar spikes. For those with diabetes,
long-distance runners. Teff is a staple in Ethiopian diets, teff, along with other grains, should be consumed in
providing 70% of calories and 2/3 of daily protein. Teff moderation.
varieties include grains from white to reddish brown.
Fat
Teff has a mild, nutty flavor and makes a tasty porridge. It
cooks in just 15 minutes and can be made into polenta, or Teff is only 3% fat, and contains the essential omega 6 and
added to veggie burgers, cakes, cookies or breads. omega 3 fatty acids.
WHAT MAKES TEFF GREAT? BUYING AND USING TEFF

Nutrition Teff can be purchased as a whole grain or ground into flour.
Whole intact teff is considered the optimal choice. Most
• 1 cup cooked teff provides 255 Calories, 10 gm protein, teff can be found in stores that feature Bob’s Red Mill
8 gm fiber, 2 gm fat, no cholesterol products or ordered online. Once opened, store teff in cool,
Protein dry place in a tightly-sealed container (the refrigerator or
freezer) where it will store up to a year.
Teff grains contain 11% protein and are an excellent
source of amino acids, especially lysine, the amino acid Uncooked teff grains can be used in baking (cakes, breads,
often missing in other grains. Lysine is essential for the muffins, etc) like you would use seeds. It can also be added
production of proteins, hormones, enzymes, collagen and to soups and stews as a thickener.
elastin. Lysine also supports calcium absorption, energy To prepare teff porridge, add 1/2 cup teff grains to 2 cups
production and immune function. boiling water. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15-20
A protein missing from teff is gluten. Teff is a delicious and minutes or until water is absorbed. Once cooked, store
nutritious addition to a gluten-free lifestyle. leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days.
Minerals
Teff is an excellent source of iron. Even conservative
estimates indicate teff is a better source of iron than most
other grains. For example, 3.5 oz (100gm) of teff flour
provides 37% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, while the
same amount of wheat flour offers 5%.
Teff also provides more calcium than most other grains.
A 3/4 cup serving of teff porridge contains about 87 mg of stephanie.polizzi@oregonstate.edu
calcium vs 16 mg in 3/4 cup cooked oatmeal. 631 Alder Street, Myrtle Point, OR 97458
A 3/4 cup cooked teff serving also provides 22% DV of 541-572-5263 ext 25291
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos
magnesium, 12% DV of zinc and 223% DV of manganese.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEFF
Teff grains make a great porridge substitute for oatmeal

or wheat farina. They can also be used to make polenta, Ginger Teff Cookies
or added to veggie burgers to boost nutrition. For a simple PrecisionNutrition.com
salad, toss cooked teff with olive oil, garlic, vinegar and
fresh herbs. Top with roasted vegetables. Teff also makes Ingredients:
a great filling for stuffed peppers, or mixed into pilafs. Or 1 cup teff flour 1 banana, mashed
just toss cooled cooked teff with salad greens or veggie 1 cup almond meal 1 tsp ginger
side dishes. 1/2 cup almond butter 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Teff flour can be substituted for wheat or other flour in 1 1/2 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup water
dishes such as pancakes, cookies, cakes, muffins and
Directions:
breads. Keep in mind that teff lacks gluten, and like other
gluten-free flours, often requires a binder such as xanthan 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie tray with
gum. This step can be avoided if substituting teff for 50% parchment paper.
of gluten flour in baked goods. 2. Put all ingredients except water into a high speed
blender or food processor. Process until a thick
Due to the difficulty in harvesting such a small grain, teff dough forms. Add water and pulse until dough is
may cost a little more. A 1-pound bag of teff grains can thick and creamy.
cost about $5 and flour runs a little higher. The flour will 3. If you do not have a high powered blender, blend
last a long time if you are substituting 50% for wheat. together water, banana and almond butter. Add
However you use teff, this tiny grain provides big nutrition remaining ingredients, stirring until well combined.
and a nutty flavor your family will love. 4. Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon,
scoop cookies onto tray lined with parchment.
5. Wet your fingers under running water and flatten
and shape cookies, re-rinsing if fingers stick to
REFERENCES BobsRedMill.com dough.
Ethnomed.org 6. Cook 20 minutes until the top of the cookies have
Nutritiondata.self.com little holes in them. Cool.
Nutritionvalue.org
Teffco.com
Wholegrainscouncil.org
Teff Cocoa Energy Bites

WholeGrainsCouncil.Org
Directions:
Ingredients:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
1/4 cup teff grains Line baking pan with
7 Medjool dates, pitted parchment paper.
3/4 cup raw cashews, divided 2. Spread teff grains on pan and toast, stirring occasionally, about 20
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder minutes. Alternatively, place grains in a dry skillet over medium heat and
1 tsp peanut butter toast until fragrant.
1/4 tsp sea salt 3. In a food processor, add dates, 1/2 cup cashews, cocoa powder, salt and
1/4 tsp cinnamon cinnamon and process until smooth paste forms.
2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut chips 4. Roughly chop the remaining 1/4 cup cashews and coconut chips.
5. Stir cashews, coconut and toasted grains into date-cashew mixture.
6. Roll into bite-size balls and enjoy. (Makes 15 1” balls). Store leftovers in
an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability,
gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension
Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This publication will be made available in accessible formats upon request by calling 541-572-5263 ext 25292.
For information on accessibility, go to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos/coos-county-extension-accessibility.

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OSU EXTENSION FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH

WHAT MAKES TEFF GREAT? BUYING AND USING TEFF

Teff grains make a great porridge substitute for oatmeal

Teff Cocoa Energy Bites

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