List of spices – Indigenous spices

West African pepper seeds are from the popular uziza plant. Just like the leaves, the seeds are even hotter, more peppery and very spicy therefore they are used sparingly. They contain very large amounts of beta-caryophyllene, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. They also contain significant proportions of myristicin, elemicin, safrole and dillapiol (wiki). It also adds a very nice aroma and flavor to whatever it’s cooked with. According to research, Uziza seeds have preservative and anti-oxidant properties. It’s used in some spice mixtures as well as meals like Ofe Nsala, ……..

2. Local Name: Kanafuru (Hausa)
   English Name: Cloves
   Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum

Cloves are one of a kind. They are flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family. In several places around the world, such as Asia, Africa, they are used in spices to add flavor to meats, curries, and marinades. In Nigeria, It’s usually added to stews, spices and drinks like Zoboroto, Kunun Zaki (millet type)….

3. Local Names: "Ehu"/ "Ehuru"(Igbo) , "Ariwo"(Yoruba) , "Iwo" "Erhe (itshekiri)")
   English Name: Calabash Nutmeg
   Botanical Name: Monodora myristica

4. Local Name: "Umilo" itshekiri)
   English Name: Nutmeg
   Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg is a common spice used to flavor most pastries and baked goods. Usually, the seeds are dried gradually in the sun over a period of six to eight weeks when harvested. After then, the shell is then broken and the nutmegs are picked out. It has a nice fragrance and is usually added to meats, bread, buns, pies, sausages and even beverages. 

5.  Local Name:
    English Name: Ginger
    Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

6. Local Name:
   English Name: Garlic
   Botanical Name: Allium sativum

Garlic  which is part of the onion family has been used for several years in flavoring food as well as traditional medicine for different ailments due to its medicinal components such as allicin, a sulfur compound contained within. The entire “head” is called a garlic bulb, while each segment is called a clove. There could be about 10-20 cloves in a single bulb of garlic. It’s used to combat the common cold, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, detoxify heavy metals in the body, add a nice flavor to food, and lots more. You can check out how to make Garlic Powder and Garlic Paste here. 

7. Local Name: Uda Uwentia, Uda or Enge
   English Name: Negro pepper
   Botanical Name: xylopia aethiopica

9. Local Name:  Ataiko 
   English Name:
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10. Local Name:  Irugege 
    English Name:
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11. Local Name: Oburunbebe Stick
    English Name: Liquorice ( British English ) or licorice ( American English ) 
    Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

This is a regular spice used in preparing some Niger delta dishes such as Banga soup. The root has a sweet flavour which can be extracted and used in flavoring sweeteners or  candies or sweeteners in some other countries. It’s not uncommon to find it in sweets mixed with mint, menthol or aniseed . In some countries like Italy (particularly in the south), Spain and France, liquorice is popular in its natural form. The root of the plant is simply dug up, washed, dried, and chewed as a mouth freshener.

12. Local Name: Uyayak, (prekese)
    English Name: Aiden 
    Botanical Name:  tetrapleura tetraptera

13. Local Name:
    English Name:  Tumeric 
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14. Local Name:
    English Name: Alligator pepper
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