Tej

Ethiopia is Africa’s largest producer of honey.  Honey has always had a special place in Ethiopian culture.  When the Queen of Sheba went on her little northern trek to visit King Solomon, it is thought that she brought Ethiopian honey as part of her gift package.

As in most cultures, home brew of some sort makes it way into the local cuisine.  Tej is Ethiopia’s home brew.  It is a honey wine that is brewed and drunk exclusively in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Berele

I really wish I liked it more.  It has a lovely yellow/orange colour and is served in a berele, which is a container that looks like a funky chemistry beaker.   All in all it looks like something that should be thoroughly enjoyed.  Unfortunately it tastes (as you might expect) like sweet fermented honey.

Usually when we are out, if I am having some difficulty managing eating or drinking something, Mike will come to my rescue and finish up my eat or drink.  Not so with Tej.

Our landlady brews Tej, so we have a steady supply.   Some photos of our last meal at their place, complete with a large glass of poured Tej.