Tef (Eragrostis tef)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. It is used as a cereal for making bread and as a fermented food. 'Enjera' is a fermented pancake-like bread that is a made from this grain in Ethiopia where it is a staple food. — It is used as a cereal for making bread and as a fermented food.; 'Enjera' is a fermented pancake-like bread that is a made from this grain in Ethiopia where it is a staple food.; The bread is spongy, soft, thin and sour tasting.; The seed is very small but easy to harvest.

Habitat & North American Range

A casual on waste ground in Britain. (Zone 8)