Tef

Eragrostis tef

Physical Characteristics

Eragrostis tef is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

N. Africa - Ethiopia. A casual in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. It is used as a cereal for making bread and as a fermented food[46, 57, 61, 183]. 'Enjera' is a fermented pancake-like bread that is a made from this grain in Ethiopia where it is a staple food[183]. The bread is spongy, soft, thin and sour tasting[183]. The seed is very small but easy to harvest[K]. Protein content is around 13%.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known