By: Sene Gebre Economic Botany 13, Mar Could Teff Be Used As An Alternative Crop?

What is Teff ? Eragrostis tef Ancient in its origin (between BC) Native to Ethiopian highlands of northeastern Africa Amharic word “Teffa” meaning “lost” Grass crop that produces grain Has seeds much smaller than wheat grain

Botany Family; Poeceae, and genus Eragrostis More than 300 species of the genus Annual cereal Grain contained in the spikelets Contains both the bran and germ Shallow and fibrous root system Mostly erect stems Monocot seeds

Uses Primarily cultivated & used in Ethiopia, India and Australia. Primarily used as main ingredient for Injera (Ethiopian bread) Injera provides two-thirds of the diet in Ethiopia Teff straw is used as forage for animals such as cattles

Harvesting Threshing: separating teff grains from straw (left) Winnowing: Separating teff grains from their chaff (right) Teff flour is obtained by grinding after harvest

Types of Teff - Three main flour types in Ethiopia -White, Red and Brown teff flour -White Teff * preferred type * most expensive -Red teff *least expensive *has higher Iron content -Brown teff *moderate Iron content -

Preparation of Injera Mixing Flour with water Fermentation process for few days Baking batter on electric stove or traditional clay plate placed on fire

*Injera is eaten daily nearly in every household in Ethiopia. *Injera can be compared to pancakes or tortillas

Nutrition Nearly gluten free Good for people with Celiac disease High in Iron and essential amino-acids Iron: carrier of oxygen in the form of hemoglobin Iron from Teff easily absorbed by the body Lysine levels higher than wheat or barley Essential amino-acid Metabolized to acetyl-CoA

As An Alternative Crop Introduction to other countries (U.S., S.Africa.) Wayne Carlson The Teff company in Idaho Grows in water clogged soils and environment with moisture stress.

Conclusion - Can be used along with wheat and barley grains - provides the body with essential amino acids - Not much research has been done on Teff because it is not a popular plant in the world. - With enough research performed on its nutrition, Teff could be used as an alternative crop to other cereals.

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