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
Tete, also called African spinach or amaranth leaves, is native to Africa and Asia. It has been cultivated in Nigeria for centuries and is a staple green vegetable in many traditional dishes.
Sources
Oyo, Ogun
Health benefits
Rich in iron – helps prevent anemia and boost energy.
High in vitamins A and C – supports vision, immunity, and healthy skin.
Good source of dietary fiber – aids digestion and supports gut health.
Contains calcium – important for strong bones and teeth.
Low in calories – great for weight management.
Common soups you can use it for
Efo Riro (Yoruba vegetable stew)
Efo Elegusi (vegetable with melon seed soup)
Ogbono Soup (as an added leafy green)
Okra Soup
Mixed Vegetable Stew
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
Description
Moi Moi leaf comes from the plant Thaumatococcus daniellii, known for its broad, flexible, and aromatic leaves. These leaves are not eaten but are used as natural wrappers for steaming dishes like Moi Moi (bean pudding) and some local rice delicacies. Cooking with Moi Moi leaves gives food a distinct earthy aroma and flavor compared to using nylon or foil.
Sources
Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, as well as parts of the South-South.
Health benefits (indirect — since the leaves are not consumed directly)
Adds a natural aroma to food without artificial flavoring.
Eco-friendly and biodegradable compared to synthetic wraps.
Helps retain food nutrients during steaming due to its natural sealing effect.
The plant itself has medicinal uses in traditional medicine (e.g., the fruits are used as natural sweeteners).
Common soups or dishes you can use it for
Moi Moi (bean pudding)
Ekuru (steamed mashed beans)
Some local steamed rice dishes