Tej

Tej is the Ethiopian mead or honey wine. Some powdered leaves and twigs of “gesho” or Shiny-leaf Buckthorn (Rhamnus prinoides) are added to the wine . This plant serves as a bittering component similar to hops. There is a sweeter variety of tej which is called “berz.” Its fermentation period is shorter.

Tej honey wine

Tej is usually served in a traditional glass vessel called “berele.” The Ethiopians usually prepare their tej at home. This traditional drink is also available in “tej bets” (in Amharic “tej houses”), which are kind of local pubs.