PINCH YOUR NOSTRILS TOGETHER ! THE SMELLY SPICE IS HERE! : THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF IRU (LOCUST BEANS)

Iru (locust beans) 

                IRU (LOCUST BEANS) 

I see Iru (a type of fermented locust beans) as a very controversial condiment in food because for people who have smelt or tasted it in their meals,it is either a deep love relationship or the complete opposite. Meaning, you either absolutely love its taste and pungent smell or find it simply unbearable. Iru is very popular among the Yorubas (a tribe in Western, Nigeria), especially with their elderly. In fact, the name 'iru' is what the Yorubas call this strongly flavored spice. Chances are, if you are Yoruba, your mother or grand mother or great grandmother used it or still uses it in her soups and Okra and prefer its strong flavor to foreign spices.

Iru has a black/brown color and can usually be found in the open market on the tables of traders who sell Okra.

Iru can be used fresh or dried. The dried ones seem to be easier to find in Lagos markets compared to the fresh ones. The fresh ones are usually wrapped tightly in moimoi leaves and the smell and flavor more pungent than the dried ones which are sold as flattened moulds.

For those who can't stand it, maybe the health benefits of Iru in soups might be able to change your mind.

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  THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF IRU

Iru is rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin such as vitamin A and C ; and a wide array of important minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, magnesium and iron. All these combined, help keep the body's immune system working at optimal level but individually, each of these nutrients are also very powerful.

Iron is an important blood builder which is essential particularly in women because of the loss of blood during their menstrual cycle,  in the diet of pregnant women because of their developing foetus,  nursing mothers and the elderly; to prevent anaemia.

Calcium is most useful in growing children and adolescents to develop strong teeth and bones. Potassium and magnesium are great for the heart,  giving the spice its anti hypertensive quality.

Manganese is great in regulating the body's blood sugar levels as well as the production of new cells.

Iru is also rich in healthy fiber and protein. This combination makes it great for good bowel movements and aids in weight loss. This strong tasting spice also helps to prevent the cancer of the colon and other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract of man.

I believe Iru has a pretty overpowering smell and flavor and a less than appealing sight that might be easier to get used to for some than others. So, if you haven't used it in your soups yet, do try it out. Who knows? You might just become a fan. I know I am.