Description
Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a dark green, fibrous leafy vegetable with a distinctly bitter taste, widely used in Nigerian cuisine and traditional medicine. It is commonly called Onugbu in Igbo, Ewuro in Yoruba, and Shuwaka in Hausa. The leaves are typically washed and squeezed multiple times to reduce the bitterness before cooking, although in some recipes, the bitterness is preserved for its unique flavor.
Sources
Sokoto, Katsina
Health Benefits
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Lowers blood sugar and supports diabetes management.
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Improves digestion and helps cleanse the stomach.
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Boosts immunity with high levels of vitamins and minerals.
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Promotes heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
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Has antimicrobial properties that help fight infections.
Common soups or dishes you can use it for
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Onugbu soup (Igbo bitter leaf soup)
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Ofe Nsala (White soup with bitter leaf)
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Bitter leaf and groundnut soup
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Ewuro vegetable stir-fry
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Bitter leaf tea (for medicinal purposes)
