Is lovegrass edible? An in-depth guide to Teff and other varieties

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Teff, a type of lovegrass (Eragrostis tef), has been a dietary staple in Ethiopia and Eritrea for thousands of years, celebrated for its gluten-free status and impressive nutritional profile. Given its popularity, a common question is, 'Is lovegrass edible?'--and the answer depends entirely on the specific species.

Quick Summary

The edibility of lovegrass varies significantly by species; while the seeds of teff are a highly nutritious, gluten-free ancient grain, other varieties are not suitable for human consumption, and some, like stink grass, are toxic. Safe consumption requires accurate identification and sourcing teff from reputable suppliers.

Key Points

Teff is an Edible Lovegrass: The grain teff (Eragrostis tef) is a commercially produced, nutritious, and safe food source.
Not All Lovegrass is Edible: The genus Eragrostis includes hundreds of species, and edibility varies significantly, with many being unsuitable or toxic for human consumption.
Beware of Stink Grass: One notable toxic variety, stink grass (Eragrostis cilianensis), can be poisonous to livestock, especially horses.
Teff is a Gluten-Free Superfood: Teff is rich in fiber, protein, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it an excellent gluten-free grain.
Wild Foraging is Dangerous: Due to the high risk of misidentification, wild lovegrass should never be harvested for human consumption.
Culinary Uses are Specific to Teff: The seeds of other lovegrass varieties are often too small and cumbersome to process for modern cooking.
Rely on Commercial Teff: Always purchase teff from reputable retailers to ensure you are consuming a safe and intended food product.

A Family of Grasses: The Genus Eragrostis

The term "lovegrass" refers to a large genus of grasses, Eragrostis, which contains over 350 species native to tropical and temperate regions worldwide. While many are considered livestock fodder or weeds, the genus is best known for its commercially important species, teff (Eragrostis tef). It is critical to understand that the edibility, nutritional content, and palatability of lovegrass differ drastically from one species to another.

The Edible Superstar: Teff

Teff, the most well-known edible lovegrass, is a powerhouse of nutrition despite its tiny size. Originally from the Horn of Africa, teff has a high concentration of essential minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Darker teff varieties are particularly rich in iron and calcium, while white teff boasts higher copper content. A significant benefit for modern nutrition is that teff is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Other Edible Lovegrasses

Beyond teff, the seeds of certain other lovegrass species, such as hairy love grass (Eragrostis pilosa) and weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula), are technically edible and have historically been used as a food source, particularly during times of famine. However, these seeds are extremely small and difficult to harvest and process in large quantities. This makes them impractical for most modern culinary uses, and their nutritional value can be significantly lower than that of cultivated teff.

A Crucial Warning: The Case of Stink Grass

Among the diverse Eragrostis species is a variety that poses a genuine threat: stink grass (Eragrostis cilianensis). This coarse, weedy annual grass produces a musty, unpleasant odor when its leaves or stems are crushed. More importantly, stink grass can be poisonous to livestock if consumed in large amounts, with horses being particularly vulnerable. Its ability to readily invade overgrazed pastures and roadsides makes it a common concern for land managers. The potential for misidentification with edible varieties underscores the importance of buying and consuming only commercially available teff from trusted sources, rather than harvesting wild lovegrass.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Teff

Teff's rise as a modern superfood is driven by its dense nutrient profile and health-promoting properties. The benefits include:

High in Dietary Fiber: A cooked cup of teff offers a significant amount of fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Minerals: As mentioned, teff is an excellent source of essential minerals crucial for various bodily functions, including bone health and energy production.
Complete Protein Source: Unlike many plant-based proteins, teff contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Support for Heart Health: Teff contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and has been linked to improved cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Management: Its low glycemic index helps to slow the release of insulin into the bloodstream, making it a beneficial grain for individuals managing blood sugar levels.

Culinary Uses of Teff

Teff's versatility has made it a popular ingredient in both traditional and modern cooking. In Ethiopia, teff flour is famously used to make injera, a soft, spongy, and fermented flatbread that is a cornerstone of the national cuisine. In Western markets, teff is used in various culinary applications, including:

Baking: Teff flour can be incorporated into recipes for bread, cakes, cookies, and muffins.
Porridge: The grain can be cooked as a nutritious, nutty-flavored porridge for breakfast.
Pasta: Teff flour is used to create gluten-free pasta, such as fusilli or penne, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat pasta.
Soups and Stews: Teff grain can be added to soups and stews to provide extra texture and nutritional density.

Comparison of Lovegrass Species


Feature	Teff (E. tef)	Stink Grass (E. cilianensis)	Weeping Lovegrass (E. curvula)
Edibility	Edible seeds, primary use is for human consumption.	Toxic to livestock, especially horses; inedible for humans.	Edible seeds historically used as famine food, but low palatability and impractical to harvest.
Nutritional Profile	Excellent; high in protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc.	Minimal forage value; low nutrient content.	Poor forage when mature, low in energy and protein.
Key Features	Smallest of all grains; nutty, mild flavor; naturally gluten-free.	Musty, unpleasant odor when crushed; produces a large number of seeds.	Hardy, drought-tolerant clump grass; used for erosion control and pasture.
Risk of Misidentification	Low, when sourced commercially from reputable suppliers.	High, can be confused with other non-toxic lovegrasses.	High, can be confused with other Eragrostis species.

Conclusion

While the answer to "Is lovegrass edible?" is yes for a specific, cultivated species like teff, it is a dangerous misassumption to apply this to the entire Eragrostis genus. Teff is a celebrated ancient grain with proven nutritional and health benefits, making it a safe and healthy addition to many diets. However, the existence of inedible and toxic varieties, like stink grass, necessitates a cautious approach. For culinary purposes, always purchase teff grain or flour from trusted retailers. Never attempt to forage and consume lovegrass found in the wild due to the high risk of misidentification. As with any plant-based food, sourcing matters, and in the case of lovegrass, it is the difference between a nutritious superfood and a potentially harmful weed. For more general information on the diverse Eragrostis genus, consult reputable botanical sources.

The Verdict: Can you eat lovegrass?

Identification is Key: Edibility depends entirely on the specific species of lovegrass. Don't assume all varieties are safe.
Teff is a Safe Grain: The grain known as teff (Eragrostis tef) is a nutritious, commercially available, and safe grain for human consumption.
Stink Grass is Toxic: A known toxic variety, stink grass (Eragrostis cilianensis), can be harmful, especially to livestock.
Wild Varieties are Risky: Avoid consuming any wild-foraged lovegrass due to the high risk of misidentification with inedible or toxic species.
Choose Reputable Sources: Purchase teff from established food vendors rather than attempting to harvest it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a specific species within the larger genus Eragrostis, which is commonly known as lovegrass. While teff is a lovegrass, not all lovegrass species are teff or edible.

Stink grass (Eragrostis cilianensis) is a type of lovegrass known for its unpleasant odor when crushed. It is considered toxic to livestock, particularly horses, if consumed in large quantities, and should not be eaten by humans.

For edible lovegrass like teff, the seeds are the part that is consumed. These seeds are typically ground into flour or cooked as a whole grain, not eaten as foliage.

Teff is a highly nutritious grain rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is naturally gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, benefiting digestion, bone health, and blood sugar management.

No, you should not forage and consume wild lovegrass. The risk of misidentifying a safe species from an inedible or toxic one is high. It is always safest to purchase cultivated teff from trusted food suppliers.

Teff is a versatile grain used for baking gluten-free bread, muffins, and pasta. It can also be cooked into a hot porridge, added to soups and stews, or used to make traditional Ethiopian injera.

Teff can be purchased from various online retailers and natural food stores. Look for brands that source their teff from reputable suppliers, such as Lovegrass Ethiopia or Maskal Teff.