Tej
Drinks • Ethiopia
About Tej
Traditional Ethiopian honey wine flavored with gesho leaves — sweet, aromatic, and lightly alcoholic.
How to Make Tej (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Tej is a cherished traditional Ethiopian honey wine, deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of East Africa. This golden beverage, often enjoyed during festive gatherings, weddings, and religious celebrations, offers a unique taste experience that beautifully balances natural sweetness with the aromatic complexity of spices. Tej is typically homemade and served in a rounded glass vessel called a berele, making it a symbol of hospitality and community in Ethiopian households. The origins of Tej date back centuries, with its recipe passed down through generations. It is crafted using just a handful of natural ingredients: honey, water, and the distinctive touch of 'gesho' leaves or sticks (Rhamnus prinoides), a local botanical that imparts an herbal, slightly bitter note to the drink. This combination results in a beverage that is not only refreshing but also vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Tej's mild alcohol content and natural ingredients make it an appealing choice for those seeking a traditional African drink with health-conscious roots. As a beverage enjoyed in both everyday settings and during significant cultural events, Tej stands out as a testament to Ethiopian ingenuity and hospitality.
Ingredients(for 1 small glass (berele) per serving)
- 1 cup Raw honey (Ethiopian honey preferred)
- 3 cups Clean filtered water
- 2 small sticks or 1 tbsp dried leaves Gesho leaves or sticks (Rhamnus prinoides)
- 2 Whole cloves - optional
- 1 small stick Cinnamon stick - optional
- 1 tsp Lemon zest (Optional for citrus aroma) - optional
- 2 Cardamom pods - optional
- 1/2 inch, sliced Fresh ginger (Optional for spice) - optional
- 1 tbsp Raisins (Optional for added depth) - optional
Instructions
- 1
In a large sterilized glass jar or ceramic container, combine the raw honey and clean filtered water. Mix thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved.
5 minutes
Use lukewarm water to help dissolve the honey faster.
- 2
Add the gesho leaves or sticks to the honey-water mixture. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
2 minutes
If using dried gesho, gently crush it to release more flavor.
- 3
For an aromatic twist, add optional spices: cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, and raisins. These add complexity and depth to the flavor.
3 minutes
Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences; less is more for subtlety.
- 4
Cover the container with a clean cloth or loose-fitting lid to allow fermentation gases to escape. Place it in a warm, dark place.
5 minutes
Avoid airtight lids, as fermentation produces gas that needs to escape.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy Tej recipe uses raw honey as its natural sweetener, avoiding refined sugars or artificial additives. Fermentation not only develops flavor but may also enhance gut health. The use of gesho and optional spices adds layers of beneficial plant compounds. As a beverage made from plant-based ingredients, Tej fits well into vegan and vegetarian diets, making it a mindful choice for those seeking traditional African drinks with a health-conscious twist.
Tej is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Honey is rich in antioxidants and contains trace vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and potassium. The inclusion of gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) is believed in Ethiopian tradition to aid in digestion and add beneficial plant compounds. The optional spices can provide additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Tej is lower in calories compared to many commercial alcoholic beverages when consumed in moderation, and the natural fermentation process may offer some probiotic benefits.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use high-quality raw honey for the best flavor and health benefits.
- 💡Tip 2: Sterilize all containers and utensils before starting to prevent unwanted fermentation.
- 💡Tip 3: Taste Tej daily during fermentation to customize sweetness and alcohol content to your preference.
Storage & Serving
Store Tej in airtight glass bottles in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep in a cool, dark place. Always use sterilized containers to prevent spoilage.
Best served: Lunch or Dinner
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 145.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.0 g |
| Total Fat | 0.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
