Is hard water really that bad? With myths and misinformation, many people are unsure about the true effects of hard water. While it can be damaging in some ways, it can be beneficial in others. We explore the effects of hard water to see if it is that bad.What is hard water? Before exploring the…
Ofada rice is a local variety of rice grown in Nigeria and used in the preparation of many dishes. Ofada rice are a mixture of different rice varieties, which are are not indigenous to Africa. It is mainly grown in the southwestern part of Nigeria and is said to be named after the town of…
Lemon is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. Apart from the fruits being healthy, the leaves can also be medicinal. Lemon leaves are the leaves of the lemon tree (Citrus limon), which is a species of a small evergreen tree in the family Rutaceae. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval in shape, with…
Watermelon is a favourite fruit for many. It is sweet, cool, and very juicy. Eating watermelon can help one to cool down as it comprises mostly of water. Watermelon is one fruit people can eat without meeting any obstacles like large seeds or partitions. Most people eat the whole pink flesh until the rind is…
My name is Zoë Ihaza, and I was born to a Nigerian-born father and a Black American mother in Chicago, Illinois. On my paternal side of the family, our roots originate in Edo state. More specifically, some of my family resides in Usen. Although I was born and raised in the United States, I have…
African pear, popularly known by its Igbo name, ube, or bush pear, is a common delicacy in Nigeria. It also known as safou in Cameroon, and atanga in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. However, the scientific name of African Pear is Dacryodes edulis. While it can be enjoyed on its own, many people prefer to eat…
Prekese is a flowering plant found in many parts of West Africa. The scientific name of prekese is Tetrapleura tetraptera.  The plant has tons of benefits that are often overlooked. The plant is also known as oshosho, osakirisa, or Aidan fruit. It is also called Uhio (Uhiokrihio) in the Igbo language. It is mainly used as a cooking spice…
The benefits of consuming different types of fruits and vegetables are numerous. Tomatoes are not different. They offer impressive benefits for our health and wellbeing, and you’ll do well to eat this important fruit as often as you can. The beauty of the tomato fruit is the ease with which it can be incorporated into…
Hibiscus is one of the common plants in the world. It is popularly known for its attractive and colourful flowers. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions like Thailand, Sudan, Nigeria, China, and Mexico. In traditional medicine, hibiscus (also known as roselle or sorrel) has been used to treat high blood pressure, liver problems, and…
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…
