Efirin (Nchanwu, Scent Leaf, African Basil, Clove Basil, Ocimum gratissimum).This highly aromatic herb is used in pepper soups, salads, pottages; and as a vegetable in its own right. Medicinal applications include using the crushed leaf to stop nose bleeds, as a digestive aid, a decongestant for head colds, bronchitis and sinusitis; as an aphrodisiac and…
Smoked Fish
Dried (Smoked) Fish can mean any fish such as cod, mackerel, Niger perch, herring, tilapia and catfish which has been smoked over a charcoal or wood fire to varying degrees of dryness. Scrub well to remove any sand and ash, and then break into large pieces. Soak in salted boiling water for a few minutes…
Stockfish
Stockfish (Panla, Okporoko) is white fish dried by cold air and wind. It is most often cod, although pollock, haddock, ling and tusk can be used. A highly prized delicacy in Nigerian cuisine, it is an introduced, imported food item – all the way from Norway! A friend asked about the etmology of the name…
Sweet Potato
The flesh of sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) ranges in colour from white through to orange and red – outside of Nigeria, the orange-fleshed ones are most readily available. However, it is possible to find the white-fleshed variety in ethnic shops. I prefer the latter as they are not as sweet and are firmer. They are…