The major fruits produced in Nigeria include mango, pineapple, plantain/banana, citrus, guava, pawpaw, while vegetables include onion, tomato, okra, pepper, amaranthus, carrot, melon, Corchorus olitorus (ewedu), Hibiscus sabdariffa (sobo), Adansonia digtata (baobab leaves) etc
List of Nigerian Vegetables
Vegetable is the most important part of the meal combination
and it’s therefore prepared with much finesse. This meal brought about a
conversation on Nigerian vegetables that are used in soup preparation and we
decided to put together a list:
1.
Efo Yanrin (Wild Lettuce):
English
Name: Bitter leaf
Local
Name: Ewuro (Yoruba)
Botanically: Vernonia
amygdalina
Family:
Compositae
The
bitter leaf is a very important vegetable for most Nigerians, it can be
purchased in many markets throughout the year and it’s planted commonly in home
gardens. Wherever it grows, it flourishes. There are several species; some
large, leafy and deep green leaves, while some have comparatively smaller
leaves. As the name implies, the leaves are very bitter; the bitterness is
usually removed by washing or boiling the leaves.
2. Efo
ewuro (Bitter leaves):
The bitter leaf is a very important vegetable
for most Nigerians, it can be purchased in many markets throughout the year and
it’s planted commonly in home gardens. Wherever it grows, it flourishes. There
are several species; some large, leafy and deep green leaves, while some have
comparatively smaller leaves. As the name implies, the leaves are very bitter, the
bitterness is usually removed by washing or boiling the leaves.
3. Efo
Tete (African Spinach):
This vegetable is a perennial herb. As
expected, it is in great abundance during the rainy season. Historically, it is
said to reach West Africa from Asia. The stem and leaves are edible. The
plant grows in three main colors (Pink, deep red and green); the colored
varieties are planted for decorative purposed in North America. The green
colored variety is the only consumed assortment in Nigeria.
4. Efo
Shoko:
The “Lagos Spinach” is a very popular
vegetable in Lagos Metropolitan area markets. It is commonly sold during
raining season. A perennial herb, the flavor profile is slightly bitter and the
leaves are slightly diuretic. While being cooked, its slight bitterness is
counteracted by the addition of ground melon and condiments. The Yoruba’s call
it “sokoyokoto”, to emphasize the esteem in which the vegetable-plant is held
‘Sokoyokoto” means “make husband fat”.
5. Gbure
(water leaves):
As the name implies, the waterleaf vegetable
is extremely abundant during the rainy season. Ironically, the waterleaf plant
is scientifically classified as a weed. The plant is very easily propagated by
cuttings and by seeds; it has a quick growing and short life cycle. The
vegetable is eaten cooked, in salads and in soups. It is reported by experts to
be rich in mineral salts and amino acids as well as having anti-scorbutic properties.
6. Efo
Igbo (Eggplant leaves):
The ‘African Egg Plant” is one of the most
glamorous vegetables in Lagos Area Markets. The vegetable does not come to the
market in comparatively large quantities like the others; it is cherished
amongst the Yoruba people. The plant is usually cultivated for its leaves,
which are a bit bitter; the fruits are eaten occasionally but are mainly
preserved for purposes of propagation.
7. Amunututu:
Botanically:
Basella alba,
Family:
Basellaceae
This
vegetable is an Afro-Asian plant. Locally, it is known as “amunututu” which
literally means “a cool appetiser to the stomach” and also ‘Toromoganna”, which
means ‘a wall climber”.
The leaves are succulent with high water
content. It is both an annual and/or short lived perennial. The flavour profile
is mild and the texture is mucilaginous (similar to aloe vera). This vegetable
is high in calcium and iron and to be a good source of vitamins A, B and C;
Rich in protein and a good source of soluble fiber.
8. Efinrin:
African blue basil (scent leaf):
Botanically:
Ocimum gratissimum
Family:
Labiatae
“Efirin” (scent leaf) is an important
vegetable sold across the country because of its manifold medicinal usages,
it’s also commonly grown around houses as a mosquito repellant.
For the longest time, I assumed African blue
basil and African Basil were the same, they are not. The most notable
difference being that the leaves of African blue basil start out purple when
young, only growing green as the given leaf grows to its full size, and even
then retaining purple veins. It is believed that African basil has
analgesic that is why it’s an essential part of meals prepared for women
postnatal.
9. Ebolo:
“Ebolo” is an uncommon vegetable, it is sold
only after the arrival of the new yam, deep into the rainy season. The
whole young plant and the semi succulent leaves are mucilaginous and are a potherb
eaten in soups and sauces. The leaves are slightly laxative.
10.
Afang Leaves:
This vegetable is very popular among the
ethnic peoples of southern and southeastern Nigeria. The Efik and Ibibio
peoples call it ‘afang’ while the Igbo’s call it “okazi”. The plant is
not cultivated; the leaves are collected as forest products.
Afang is a significant source of protein,
carbohydrates, essential amino acids (non-essential amino acids and mineral
constituents i.e. macro and micro-elements.
What is your vegetable of choice
for soups?
If you have any other vegetables to add to the list please leave comment below.
Thanks
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