Iru, my local condiment

 

When I think of iru, i think of my local delicacies such as my ayamase, Egusi, porridge yam and native Jollof rice I cant help but crave the condiment it does exploits.
Irú is a type of fermented and processed l (Parkia biglobosa) used as a condiment in cooking. It is similar to ogiri  and douchi. It is very popular among the yoruba people of Nigeria . It is used in cooking traditional soups like egusi, okro soup,ewedu soup and ogbono soup. Among the manding-speaking people of West Africa irú is known as sumbala.The Yorubas classify iru into two types: Iru Woro which is commonly use in making stew and Iru Pete which is use in making ewedu and egusi  soup. It can be found fresh or dried. The fresh variety is usually wrapped in moimoi leaves, which are similar in appearance and texture to banana leaves. It has a very pungent smell which when ignored, it is said that, the most valuable part of the locust beans are high in lipid(29%),Protein(35%),and carbohydrate(16%). It is a good source of calcium and fat for rural dwellers.
It Also has some  unique properties, which are beneficial to the human body.
1. The fermented locust bean seed is used in controlling diabetes and cholesterol level.
2. It helps to promote good sight and aids digestion.
3. It is used for treating stroke and hypertension.
4. The water and alcoholic extracts of fermented locust bean is used to reduce blood sugar.
5. It is used in the management of bacterial infections.
6. The locust bean contains tannins, which is often recommended for the treatment of diarrhoea.
7. It is a potential benefit for enhancing weight loss.
The crushed bark of the locust bean tree has also been revealed to help in wound healing and serves as one of the ingredients used in treating leprosy. The decoction of the bark is also used as bath for fever and as a hot mouth wash to steam and relieve toothache in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. The fermented locust bean seed is used in controlling diabetes and cholesterol level. 2. It helps to promote good sight and aids digestion. 3. It is used for treating stroke and hypertension. 4. The water and alcoholic extracts of fermented locust bean is used to reduce blood sugar. READ ALSO: Scientists Reveal How Much Water You Need To Drink 5. It is used in the management of bacterial infections. 6. The locust bean contains tannins, which is often recommended for the treatment of diarrhoea. 7. It is a potential benefit for enhancing weight loss. The crushed bark of the locust bean tree has also been revealed to help in wound healing and serves as one of the ingredients used in treating leprosy. The decoction of the bark is also used as bath for fever and as a hot mouth wash to steam and relieve toothache in Cote d’Ivoire.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/397241-7-healthy-benefits-of-locust-bean-iru.html