In brief
- Tej is the traditional mead of Ethiopia and Eritrea, made by fermenting honey and gesho, a local climbing plant
- Origin: Ethiopia and Eritrea
- Key ingredients: honey, water, dried gesho
- A traditional alcoholic drink, served in a flask called a berele on special occasions
Origins and cultural history of tej
Tej is the traditional mead of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Until the early 20th century, tej remained largely reserved for the court and the nobility. Today it accompanies major festivals, weddings and Ethiopian and Eritrean religious ceremonies.
Its distinctive feature comes from the addition of gesho (Rhamnus prinoides), an East African shrub whose dried leaves and stems act as a bittering agent, a role similar to that of hops in beer, and guide the fermentation. Traditionally, tej is served in a berele, a long-necked glass flask.
What are the key ingredients of tej
The recipe for tej relies on three ingredients, whose balance and fermentation time determine the final result.
- raw honey
- unchlorinated water
- dried gesho, leaves and stems
- baker's yeast, optional
What to know about the tej
The tej is the traditional mead of Ethiopia and Eritrea, an alcoholic drink made from honey, water and gesho, whose dried leaves and stems add bitterness, a role close to that of hops in beer. Its fermentation lasts several weeks. It is served in a berele, a long-necked glass flask, at festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies.
Frequently asked questions about tej
Is tej alcoholic?
Yes, tej is an alcoholic drink: it is generally between 7 and 11% alcohol depending on the fermentation time. Its home preparation relies on the yeasts naturally present in the honey and on the gesho, without a controlled starter culture: scientific studies point out that this spontaneous fermentation gives an unpredictable result, with a risk of methanol noted in the literature. Strict hygiene of the equipment and containers is necessary.
Is berz the alcohol-free version of tej?
No: berz is a separate preparation made from water and honey, sometimes called Ethiopian honey water, and should not be confused with tej, which results from several weeks of fermentation.
Where can you find the ingredients for tej in France?
NKOSI does not sell honey or gesho, but offers a selection of spices and dry goods from East Africa on nkosiagro.com, and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.
