Fonio - Precooked
At Telli, we bring you Precooked Fonio, an ancient African grain celebrated for its rich nutritional profile. Naturally gluten-free and whole grain, fonio is a versatile, low-calorie powerhouse perfect for health-conscious consumers and culinary innovators alike. Our carefully processed fonio retains its wholesome qualities, offering a quick and nutritious solution for busy lifestyles. Committed to quality and sustainability, Telli ensures every grain supports your wellness journey while honoring traditional agriculture. Experience the timeless benefits of fonio, expertly prepared for modern needs.
Telli Fonio — Organic Ancient Grain from the Fouta Djallon Highlands
Net weight: 500 g
Tiny in size, mighty in story. Fonio (Digitaria exilis) is one of Africa's oldest cultivated grains, grown in West Africa for more than 5,000 years and known locally as findi, acha, or hungry rice. Each grain is roughly the size of a sand crystal, yet a single cup expands to about four cups when cooked — light, fluffy, and ready in just a few minutes. A 500 g pack yields roughly 2 kg of cooked fonio — enough for around 10–12 generous servings.
Our fonio is grown, harvested, and hulled in Guinea by smallholder farmers — around 72% of them women — who form the backbone of Telli's supply chain. We work directly with roughly 1,400 family farms across the Labé region, paying fair prices and reinvesting in equipment, training, and rural livelihoods. The result is a grain you can trust on every level: ethically sourced, organically grown, and traceable from field to pouch.
Why You'll Love It
Naturally gluten-free — perfect for celiac, gluten-sensitive, and grain-rotating diets
Nutrient-dense — a good source of plant protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, with notably high levels of the amino acids methionine and cysteine that most cereals lack
Low glycemic index — releases energy slowly, making it a smart choice for blood-sugar-conscious eating
Five-minute cooking — faster than rice, pasta, or quinoa
Climate-smart — fonio thrives in poor soils with very little water, restoring degraded land rather than depleting it
Product Details
Net weight: 500 g
Servings per pack: approximately 10–12
Variety: White fonio (Digitaria exilis), pearled, pre-cleaned and pre-rinsed — no destoning required
Origin: Single-origin, 100% grown in Guinea, West Africa
Certified organic by Debio (Norway)
Fairtrade-aligned sourcing through Telli SARL, Guinea
How to Cook
The simple stovetop method:
Bring 2 parts water (or broth) to a boil with a pinch of salt.
Add 1 part fonio, stir once, and reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Remove from heat, let rest 2 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
A typical serving is 40–50 g of dry fonio per person.
Ways to Use It
Swap fonio in anywhere you'd use couscous, rice, bulgur, or quinoa. It's wonderful as a fluffy side under stews and grilled fish, as a warm breakfast porridge with milk and fruit, in cold grain salads, in stuffed vegetables, or ground into flour for gluten-free baking. Its gentle, nutty flavour absorbs spices and sauces beautifully — there's a West African saying that fonio never embarrasses the cook.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and use within 3 months for best flavour and texture. Best before: see date on pack.
Ingredients
100% organic whole fonio grain. Nothing added.
Allergen Information
Naturally gluten-free. Packed in a facility that handles other cereals — see pack for full allergen statement.
