Dairy foods are food products made from milk. They could be derived directly from milk or be used in making the products. The milk used is gotten from animals like cows and nanny goats. Most local dairy products in Nigeria come from the Northern part of the country, where people have reared cattle for centuries. These days, such products are found in all parts of the country and even outside.
Dairy foods are a good source of calcium, which is good for the bones and teeth. They are also rich in fats, protein, sodium, potassium, and Vitamin D. In short, dairy products are very healthy and should form a regular part of your diet.
In today’s article, we will be looking at some of the dairy foods we have in Nigeria.
1. Milk
Milk is the most basic dairy product. It comes in both liquid and powdered forms. Milk could be sweetened, unsweetened, or condensed. The milk seen in shops is a processed form of milk gotten from cows. The milk goes through processing to remove impurities from the milk and fortify it with nutrients.
In Nigeria, we use milk for a lot of things, including making tea and cereal and also in making baked goods. It is incredibly healthy because it is loaded with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin D. Furthermore, it’s a good source of protein.
2. Custard
Custard is another popular dairy food in Nigeria. It is a cooked mixture prepared with eggs and milk or cream; it is also usually thick and creamy. Milk is the main ingredient of custard. Hence, it is a good source of protein and contains calcium, which is good for bone health.
3. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another common dairy product we have in Nigeria. It is made by heating milk, sterilising it, and then adding lactose-fermenting yeast to it. Yoghurts could come sweetened or unsweetened (Greek Yoghurt). Yoghurt is a very healthy drink infused with lots of nutrients. It is a healthier choice than carbonated drinks that are loaded with sugar and other chemicals. Yoghurt is also very satisfying and is good for people who want to lose weight as they can take it. One of the most popular type of yoghurt in Nigeria is the Greek yoghurt.
4. Fura da Nono
This is one of the local dairy products from Northern Nigeria. The name translates to millet and milk, which is what the food is made from. The millet or fura is sold in the form of balls, while the nono is made from fermented milk, which gives it a thick consistency. The fura is mashed into the milk and mixed properly, then eaten like a cereal. Fura da nono helps with weight loss and aids digestion.
5. Wara
Wara or milk curds is a food from the South Western part of the country. It is made by adding an extract from the bomubomu tree, or Sodom apple, till it congeals. Salt and seasoning can be added to it to improve the taste, and it can be eaten with soups or stews. Some people even use it as an alternative to fish or meats, as it is also very rich in protein. It can also be eaten alone as a snack.
6. Cheese
Cheese is a dairy food derived from milk that is produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It is made up of proteins and fat from milk, typically the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
7. Butter
Nigerians use butter for a lot of things: to spread on bread, to cook, and to bake things. Butter is gotten from churning the cream gotten from milk. Butter contains high amounts of fats as well as other nutrients. Unlike other dairy products, butter cannot be eaten alone but is eaten along with other kinds of foods.
Butter is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that is vital for bone growth and development. Like most dairy Foods, it also has calcium, which is essential for bone strength. Calcium also helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and can help make your skin healthier.
