Dawadawa is an underrated superfood in Ghana, and it’s simply time to change the negative mindset we have towards it. Many Ghanaians, especially in the southern parts of Ghana, see it and immediately stigmatize it for its colour and aroma. However, Dawadawa is a key nutrient component in Northern Ghana. The entire tree is useful from its bark and leaves, which are medicinal, to the fruits, which are both food for animals and humans. Also known as the African locust bean, the perennial and deciduous plant grows not only in Ghana but also in Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and other parts of the Sahel.
The fruit of the African locust bean tree is the main import of the plant, which is fermented and called Dawadawa and majorly used in seasoning sauces and soups. It adds a rich umami flavour to food. Have you eaten Dawadawa Jollof before? You’ll eat your fingers whilst you dig into it. Intensely flavourful and distinct in aroma, Dawadawa Jollof is a must-try.
Research done on the nutrients in Dawadawa reveals that it’s rich in iron, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols
Dawadawa contains catechins a compound found in the seeds which, promotes blood vessel dilation, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Additionally, it contains iron, which helps prevent anemia thus making it suitable for pregnant women and growing children.
The fermentation process builds probiotics into Dawadawa, making it a powerful food for gut health. You’re guaranteed of clear skin and better digestion.
How To Incorporate Dawadawa Into Your Cooking Lifestyle:
You can buy the balled up fermented fruit from the market and puree it into a paste and store in your fridge and use when needed. You really don’t need alot to cook with especially with stews.
Cooking Dawadawa Jollof: Mix about 3 teaspoons with tomato paste, ginger, onion and garlic and fry in a bit of oil until fragrant. Add your pureed tomato and spices next and cook your Jollof as per usual.
Dawadawa Tea: Mix one teaspoon of dawadawa into hot water, add a grating of ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Allow it to steep before drinking.
Seasoning Meats: Grab the powder form from any of the supermarkets or blend it yourself, use it to season goat, lamb or fish for a truly remarkable taste to your meats.
Seasoning Soups: Add a few teaspoons of dawadawa into any of our local Ghanaian soups to enhance the nutrition and taste.
The names of Dawadawa in other African countries are as follows:
Doruwa: Hausa (Nigeria)
Iru: Yoruba (Nigeria)
Ogiri: Igbo (Nigeria)
Dawadawa / Daddawa: Hausa (Ghana)
Soumbala / Soumbal: Malinké and Bambara (Mali, West Africa)
Néré: French-speaking West Africa
Netetou / Nété: Mandinka, Gambia
Kinda / Kpalugu: Various regions in West Africa
Dawadawa is available in powder form and you’ll find this at most health shops, MIG Shop in Labone and the Farmers Market. Are you already using this superfood in your cooking? Share below how you do this, I’d love to hear from you.
