Foodies_Hub

By Precious Ohasonu

A spice is a plant substance, which could be a seed, rhizome, bark, or other plant parts, designed to add flavor to food. They are mostly sold in dried forms. Not only can great taste be derived from spices, but they also offer health benefits as a result of the nutritious values they offer. There are truckloads of local spices in Nigeria, improving the quality of our meals and giving constant appeal to Non-Nigerians.
Below is a list of 8 local spices in Nigeria:

Tumeric: Tumeric exists in three forms; the fresh, dried, or powdered form. It is widely used in soups, stews as well as in drinks like zobo or ginger tea. Turmeric has lots of health benefits, some of which are improving digestion, boosting the immune system, helping detoxify liver preventing cancer, and acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic: As a member of the onion (Allium) family, garlic is known to have an aromatic and pungent flavor with a striking taste. It is used to make soup and stews. It offers heart-improving properties by reducing blood pressure. It is also an immune booster, fights cold and flu, reduces cholesterol levels, improves brain functions, and balances the sugar level in the blood.

Ginger: A rhizome with a distinct peppery taste and flavor, used in beverages like kunu, zoboroto and meats, stews, soups, ahicken and fish sauce. It gives pain and motion sickness. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, improves blood circulation, fights cold and flu as well as lowers blood pressure.

African Nutmeg: African Nutmeg, also known as Calabash Nutmeg, has a unique flavor compared to the general sold type. It is an aromatic seed used in pepper soups or other local soups. It is also suitable for confectioneries. It contains essential oils responsible for its peculiar smell and scent. Nutmeg is rich in potassium, manganese, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamins (vitamin B-complex, A, C), and lots of flavonoid antioxidants. It is used in the treatment of stomach aches, eye diseases, fever, and hemorrhoids. It helps relieve constipation and headache. It also burns excess fat and reduces the level of cholesterol.

Locust bean (Iru or Okpei Ogiri): Locust beans can exist in the fermented form or non-fermented form. The fermented, mashed, and compressed form is Okpei Ogiri. The unfermented form is Iru. It has a strong pungent aroma, strong taste, and flavor, giving mixed feelings as it is desirable to some and repulsive to some. Locust had high carbohydrate, protein, and fat content. It is also a good source of calcium. The nutritional benefits among others are: it promotes vision, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, stimulates the digestive system, promotes heart conditions, relieves diarrhea, has aphrodisiac properties and prevents germs as an antimicrobial.

Bay leaves: Bay leaves are dark green with a strong odor. It comes in dried form and is used for making soup, broth, and stocks. It is useful for jollof rice and fried rice meals. Bay leaves are highly rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, and manganese. It is known to be effective in arthritis treatment, body aches, and body pains.

Scent leaves: Scent leaf, also known as Sweet Basil or Beletientien leaf, is a sweet-smelling herb popular for its fragrant aroma. It is useful for stew and soup as well as for suya spice. It also has medicinal value and can improve the circulation of blood. It also comprises important bioactive materials like iron, calcium, vitamins, and phosphorus. It helps relieve the bowels and aids digestion. It prevents tooth decay, fights bacteria in the mouth , and also wards off bad breath.

Curry leaves: Curry leaves gove a distinct flavour when used to prepare fried or hollowf rice. It contain calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A, B, C and E. Curry leaves reduces cholesterol level and also reduces blood pressure levels. It is good for eye sights, good for diabetics, destroys bacteria, used in treating diarrhoea, dysentery and constipation. It is rich in antioxidant compounds. It also helps to clear the nasal pathway and relieves chest congestion.

The use of local spices in our food is of high importance. It’s not just about the flavours they add, it’s also about the health benefits that can be obtained. This is like two in one…killing two birds with one stone.
Thus to eat healthy and tasty foods, keep it spicy with the spices.