Description
Utazi, scientifically known as Gongronema latifolium, is a slightly bitter-sweet, aromatic leaf used both as a spice and vegetable in Nigerian cuisine. It is native to West Africa and is highly valued for its medicinal properties as well as its flavor-enhancing qualities in soups and traditional dishes.
Sources
Enugu, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
Health benefits
Aids digestion – helps reduce bloating and improve bowel movement.
Supports blood sugar regulation – beneficial for people with diabetes.
Rich in antioxidants – helps protect the body from oxidative stress.
Boosts immunity – contains vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
Improves appetite – often used in traditional medicine to stimulate hunger.
Common soups you can use it for
Nsala Soup (White Soup)
Oha Soup
Bitterleaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu)
Pepper Soup
Yam Pepper Soup with Fish or Meat
Description
Scent leaf, scientifically known as Ocimum gratissimum, is a highly aromatic herb widely used in Nigerian cooking for its strong, pleasant fragrance and flavor. Known as Efinrin in Yoruba, Nchanwu in Igbo, and Daidoya in Hausa, it adds a unique taste to soups, stews, and sauces. Aside from its culinary role, scent leaf is also valued for its medicinal and health-boosting properties in traditional medicine.
Sources
Grown across Nigeria, particularly in home gardens and farms in the South-West, South-East, and Middle Belt regions. It thrives in both the rainy and dry seasons.
Health Benefits
Boosts immunity due to its rich content of vitamins and antioxidants.
Aids digestion and helps relieve bloating and stomach discomfort.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties help fight infections.
Helps regulate blood sugar when consumed regularly.
Relieves cough and cold when boiled and taken as herbal tea.
Common soups or dishes you can use it for
Pepper soup
Yam porridge
Ofada sauce (Ayamase)
Vegetable sauce for rice or yam
Ogbono soup (for added flavor)
Description
Uziza (Piper guineense) is a fragrant, peppery leaf and seed plant native to West Africa. The leaves have a slightly bitter and spicy taste, while the seeds are pungent with a distinct aroma. In Nigerian cooking, the leaves are used fresh or dried to add depth and spice to soups and stews.
Sources
Primarily cultivated in Southeastern Nigeria, especially in states like Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
Health benefits
Aids digestion – helps relieve constipation and bloating.
Anti-inflammatory – soothes body pains and inflammation.
Boosts immunity – contains vitamins, minerals, and essential oils that fight infections.
Improves reproductive health – traditionally believed to boost fertility and sexual health.
Rich in dietary fiber – supports gut health.
Common soups you can use it for
Nsala Soup (White Soup)
Oha Soup
Pepper Soup
Egusi Soup (especially the Southeastern variation)
Okra Soup with mixed leaves