Asanda Nzama
Fermented food products are found in all parts of the world. Here is an unusual fermented food product you probably haven't heard of. Don't forget to add any fermented food product you think is exciting.
Three things are fermented here and they are locust beans, fruit pulp and seeds of the native tree. They are pressed into balls or cakes (Dawadawa) and added to soups or a condiment. Iru refers to dried dawadawa flattened into discs. The tree is edible froom root to fruit and used in a variety of different ways. Bark is rich in tannins and used for tanning hides; boiled pods are used to dye pottery black; and the leaves can be used in soups and stews. Fruit pulp is eaten raw or mixed with water as a drink.
Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bacillus subtilis and L. dextranicus are the predominant and most actively involved microorganisms in the fermentation of dawadawa. Other organisms do not appear to play any major role in the fermentation as they are present in relatively low numbers.
Dawdawa also known as Parkia biglobosa is a seasoning native to West Africa, Its seeds are from a very common large and tall tree and it is related to the legume family. The flavoring seeds are rich in protein and add an unmistakable flavor to a meal. It stimulates the umami (Japanese word for savory) taste on the tongue. The seeds are contained in a relatively large fruit that is very sweet.
For the production of dawadawa, locust beans are boiled for at least 24 hours with water being added frequently. Cooked beans are mixed with wood ash and pounded, then washed several times to remove the seed coats. The locust bean are then spread out in a large flat basket covered with leaves and allowed to ferment for two days. On the third day, the mass is transferred to a deep bowl and fermented for another 24 hours.
Dawadawa contains probiotics, calcium, fats, and protein, and also contain some vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium which means that it is nutritious. There aren't any microbiological risks or hazards associated with the organism, instead it is very beneficial. The benefits can be read in the articles below.
Scientific name : Parkia biglobosa English name : African locust bean. Hausa : Dawadawa Kasem : Choo. Frafra : Kulgo. Yoruba : Iru or Iyere. Igbo : Ogiri. NUTRITIONAL VALUE. Phosphorus Calcium Potassium Ascorbic acid Tannin Oxalate Protein Carbohydrate Sucrose Polyphenol Lipid Carotenoids HEALTH USES 1. Consumption of dawadawa is good for getting rid of…
Information about Dawadawa including applications, recipes, nutritional value, taste, seasons, availability, storage, restaurants, cooking, geography and history.
African locust bean (iru) is rich in protein, calcium, and can help prevent diabetes, hypertension, anemia, and malnutrition.
