Gluten-Free Baking with Ancient Grains
When exploring gluten-free baking options, both teff and quinoa stand out as nutritional powerhouses with ancient roots. While quinoa has become a familiar name in American kitchens, teff brings unique properties that make it particularly valuable for baking. Research shows these grains offer distinct advantages for gluten-free baking applications.
Sustainable Crops
Both teff and quinoa are drought-resistant crops that can thrive in challenging conditions. Teff’s minimal water requirements and natural resistance to many pests make it a particularly sustainable nutrition source.
Teff flour creates baked goods with a light and soft texture that’s remarkably similar to those made with wheat flour*. Teff’s tiny grain size (0.7-1.0 mm) results in a smooth texture, contrasting with quinoa flour which can introduce a noticeable graininess to baked goods.
Teff brings a subtle nutty flavor with pleasant malty notes that complement both sweet and savory baked goods.
Quinoa flour contains higher levels of saponins, which can contribute to a stronger, more assertive taste that sometimes requires additional flavoring in baked goods.
Nutritional profiles[6]:
Both teff and quinoa are high protein and fiber, though teff is has almost 4x as much Calcium.
Teff:
Quinoa:
Teff flour’s unique starch properties contribute to superior binding capabilities. This makes it particularly valuable for gluten-free baking, where achieving the right texture can be challenging.
Based on comparative studies of gluten-free flour performance in baked goods.
Working with each flour:
Both flours should be stored in airtight containers
Teff flour: Up to 6 months in pantry, 1 year in freezer
Quinoa flour: 3-6 months in pantry, 8 months in freezer
The Teff Company grows Maskal Teff in the western USA, a non-GMO gluten-free grain that’s a superfood full of high quality complex carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and fiber. Teff is an ancient grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Explore our website to learn more about teff. Learn how to make traditional injera or discover 100s of teff recipes from breakfasts to desserts.
