Why Some Nigerians Prefer Locust Beans To Packaged Food Seasoning

It is customary for many Nigerians, including singles and housewives, to make choices regarding seasoning products for their kitchens on an almost daily basis.

Many fast foods kitchens at popular joints in megacities nationwide are not left out of this routine of culinary choices and preferences that determine the taste buds and add spec to their cuisine.

According to some of the best cooks in town, African locust beans are healthier additions to dishes than available seasoning cubes in the markets.

As questionable as their claims may seem, some nutritionists, cardiologists, appear to support such views.

Some are of the view that processed food seasoning products can be harmful to consumers’ health.

Mrs Elizabeth Ojewa, who sells African locust beans  (popularly known as Ogiri) in the Oyingbo market, Ebute-Metta area of Lagos State, is one of those who prefer African locust beans in home kitchens, dishes.

According to her, Ogiri, as a preferred kitchen seasoning choice,  is better and healthier than processed seasoning products.

This, she said, is in spite of some consumers’ preferences for close substitutes at home and at popular fast-food restaurants in parts of Lagos State.

“Ogiri is very nice. It is the original seasoning our ancestors were using to cook before processed seasoning cubes were introduced to us. It is very popular in Africa. It did not disturb their health.

“Among our people, it is called Dawadawa in Hausa land, the Yoruba call it Iru, and it is called Ogiri or Okpei in Igbo. It has a good taste and flavour that make your food delicious.

“You can use it to cook any kind of soup, including Banga soup (Ofe Akwu), Ogbono and vegetable soup and Jollof rice etc.’’

Ojewa, who is not a food specialist or nutritionist, however,  went further to advise people to use it (ogiri) instead of processed seasoning cubes because it is good for the body.

According to her, local food seasoning alternative (ogiri) “contains Vitamin A which is good for the eyes and for a clear vision’’

“It is especially recommended for the elderly because of its health benefits over cubed seasonings. Also, it is very affordable. ‘’

She also said: “You can buy a reasonable quantity for just N100 and use it three or four times depending on the quantity you used at a time.

“Some of my customers even buy and send it to their people in London.’’

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