Think quinoa is the ultimate nutritional superfood? Think again. While quinoa definitely has its merits, there's a new food emerging that can give that little grain a run for its money.
It's called teff, and it's a unique, grain-like seed that hails from Ethiopia. It's tiny, packed full of fiber and calcium, acts as a complete protein and is totally gluten- and grain-free. It even has Vitamin C, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and iron.
For years, Ethopians have made teff one of their most-consumed foods – and not just because of its nutritional benefits. Teff provides their bodies with long-lasting sustenance, staves off hunger and grows incredibly quickly (more than 2 times the speed of wheat!) What more could you ask for?
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Interested in including this new superfood in next week's menu? Let's learn a little more about this powerful seed:
Nutrition: One serving of teff has 123 mg of calcium, 4 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, 20 percent of your daily iron and 20 percent of your daily magnesium (a necessity if you want good metabolism). Teff has also been shown to aid colon health and help maintain blood sugar levels–a must if you're looking to lose weight or cut calories.
Other benefits: It sounds crazy, but teff has been known to reduce PMS symptoms in many women. Additionally, it offers a great protein alternative for vegetarians and vegans who can't eat meat.
Taste: Teff has a grain-like feel with a rich, nutty, earthy flavor. It comes in white and brown varieties, with brown tasting a bit sweeter than its counterpart.
Size: One teff seed is about the size of a poppy seed, so if you are serving it as a side dish, you may need about half a cup approximately.
Eating: In general, you can use teff to replace pretty much any grain in a recipe. You can also use it like oatmeal and eat it for breakfast, throw it on a salad, eat it as a side (like rice) or stuff it in a pepper or veggie. Teff can also be found in flour form, so you can make muffins, biscuits and breads, too.
Cooking: Just like quinoa, to cook teff, you simply need water and a pot. To cook one cup you must add 3 cups of water, let the mixture boil, and once the teff has absorbed the water, put on the lid and let the steam cook it the rest of the way through. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
It's estimated that teff makes up 20 percent of all crop land in Ethiopia, and it's no wonder, really. More than 6.3 million farmers are invested in the crop, and with gluten-free options in demand all over the world, teff is definitely going to be a sought-after product in the years to come.
Are you looking for great ways to spice up your menu and get all the nutrients and minerals your body needs? Then consider integrating teff into your meals today. It can be found at most health food and gluten-free markets.
Want to learn more about teff? Know of some great teff recipes? Tell me in the comments!
Remember to share this article with all your loved ones so that they can also benefit from the great properties of this small seed. Together we can make this world a happier, healthier world!
Image via Thinkstock
