Tef

People began to cultivate and eat cereal plants at the dawn of their development. Some researchers believe that man began to cultivate cereals not to consume their grains as food, but to use plants to produce alcohol. The debate on this issue in the scientific world still does not subside and is unlikely to end someday.

However, over the millennial history of the development and existence of human civilization, cereals continue to play a decisive role in the diet of all inhabitants of planet Earth. The teff or teff plant belongs to the extensive Zlakov family. Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of such a cereal crop as tef (Eragrostis tef), where currently about 30% of all farm lands are given for cultivation of this plant.

Tef is native to the highlands. The minimum height above sea level, at which fields with teff are located, is 2500 meters. Several species of the teff plant are distinguished, the most common are white and red teff. It is worth noting that tef refers to rather unpretentious plants, which can exist perfectly even at a temperature of + 16C.

However, at the early stage of tefu growth, a sufficiently large amount of water is needed to begin development and rapid growth. The teff cereal culture is more characteristic of the African continent. However, the plant is gradually being introduced in India, as well as South Africa, Australia and other world states. In recent decades, teff has been actively cultivated in the American states of Kansas and Idaho.

In its biological structure, the teff is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to self-pollinating species. The height of the teff stem usually does not exceed 60 cm. Teff grains, depending on the species, differ in color, as well as insignificantly in vitamin-mineral composition. Tefa grains are rich in the content of various compounds useful for the human body with a chemical composition. Tef is enriched with vitamins of A, B, E, PP, as well as K.

In addition, cereal contains choline, manganese, zinc, selenium, potassium, calcium, iron, as well as phosphorus and sodium in its chemical composition. Like other cereal crops, teff stands out for its high nutritional value and high content of carbohydrates, as well as easily digestible natural proteins. Tef is used in the food industry like other cereal plants.

Flour is made from teff, in addition, the plant is actively used in Africa to bake whole grain bread. It is worth noting that teff grains have been used in traditional African medicine for thousands of years as a medicine that helps restore the composition of human blood. Due to the high iron content, tef has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system of the human body.