Seasonal foods are those foods that appear or are available at a certain time or season of the year. The season is the time when that food would be ripe and ready for harvest. Depending on the type of food, some may be available for just a few weeks while some others could be available…
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. It is the organ responsible for pumping blood, a function that is very necessary for our survival. The moment the heart ceases to function, a person stops living. This is why we have to do a lot to ensure that our heart continues…
Thinking of having a change of diet? Try going vegan. Although the vegan diet has been around for quite some time now, its popularity has increased in recent years as people look for more ways to eat healthily. The ideal vegan diet consists of plant-based foods with nothing from animals. This includes meat and by-products…
In Nigeria, the term “swallow” refers to starchy foods that are prepared into a paste and consumed with Nigerian soups. These swallows are typically made from grains, cereals, starchy roots, and vegetables, and come in the form of pastes or dumplings. Common ingredients used to make swallows include yam, plantain, cocoyam, millet, sorghum, cassava, and…
Digitaria exilis is a tiny variety of millet of the grass species that is cultivated in many parts of African. In Nigeria, it is known as acha or fonio and is widely eaten there. The Gambians refer to it as ‘findi‘ or ‘fundi.’ However, the common names of the plant are white fonio, fonio millet, and…
Cooking oils are a staple in the Nigerian kitchen, and choosing the right one can have a significant impact on our health. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which oils are the healthiest. Choosing the healthiest cooking oil to use in your dish isn’t always as simple as it appears…
Scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa, locust bean is an aromatic local seasoning widely used in preparing soups and stews across in West Africa. It is called ‘iru‘ by Yorubas, ‘ogiri‘ by Igbos, and ‘dawa dawa’ by Hausas. It is also known as Irú or Eware among the Edo people of Nigeria. Locust beans are cultivated from…
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin mainly found in plants and fermented foods. This vitamin has many vital functions in the body; most significantly, it plays a crucial role in blood clotting. The body needs vitamin K to produce prothrombin, which is a protein and clotting factor that is important in blood clotting. It also helps…
Iron is an essential mineral that has numerous important functions in the body. The main function of iron is to carry oxygen throughout your body as a part of red blood cells. This mineral is important to the functioning of the hemoglobin, a protein that helps to transport oxygen in the blood. Eating healthy food…
Crayfish, or crawfish as it is sometimes spelt, is a very popular seafood. In Nigeria, it is used in cooking to add flavour to food. Indeed, it is a very common cooking ingredient with a remarkable taste. It is a flavor enhancer in soups, stews, and other dishes Crayfish can be dried and eaten raw…
