Pepper Soup Spices: PepperSoup ingredient names in Nigeria
Pepper Soup Spices: PepperSoup ingredient names in Nigeria
The Nigerian Pepper soup spices
There are a variety of pepper soup spices in Nigeria that differ by region, so you may want to experiment to see which one suits you best. Surprisingly, the majority of the Nigerian spices are utilized in traditional medicine, with some of their applications having been confirmed in the lab.
These are a few of the most frequent ones, along with their common local names, English names (when available), and botanical names. Please note that this is not a complete list
Most of them will have alternative names in their native tongues, and many of them will be used in other dishes.
Just before serving the soups, add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, basil, and fragrance leaf for added freshness, color, and flavor.
Related >>>>
- Nigerian Pepper Soup | African Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
- Top Dessert – A Nigerian Goat Meat Pepper Soup
- Fresh Fish Pepper Soup | How to Make Nigerian Point & Kill
- Pepper Soup African / Nigerian with Assorted Meat
- Deer Meat Pepper Soup: Nigerian Local Bush Meat Delicacy
- Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup | African Pepper Soup Recipe
Table of Contents
The spices in Nigerian Pepper soup – Name Nigerian Pepper Soup Spices
If you’ve ever tasted African pepper soup, you might be curious as to what gives it its distinct and earthy flavor. I’ll demonstrate how to make pepper soup spice from scratch with traditional ethnic spices.
African pepper soups are produced with a rich and distinct blend of pepper soup spices. These spices are prominent in West African cuisine and can be found in a number of ethnic soups.
Traditional spices used in the making of African Pepper Soup Spice
Pepper soup spice list: Finding Names for Pepper Soup Spices-Pepper soup Ingredient names
Pepper soup ingredient names – spices, fruits, and vegetables that are rarely known, underutilized, and underappreciated.
I believe that we need to learn more, explore more, and document more of what we already have in the hopes of discovering new uses and applications that have broad appeal to the general public, ranging from health and wellness to food security.
List of Pepper Soup Ingredients
- Calabash Nutmeg – Pepper Soup Spices
Other names: African nutmeg
Monodora Myristica (botanical name)
Erhe – Urhobo; Ukposa – Bini Iwo – Itsekiri; Ehuru – Igbo; Ariwo – Yoruba; Gujiya dan miya – Hausa;
It consists of a seed and shell.
Parts Used: The Seed
Uses: condiment for soups, joined to make spice blends for peppersoup
- Gbafilo – Pepper Soup Spices
Other names: rough-skinned, Guinea plum, Grey
Chrysobalanus icaco
Gbafilo/Gbafilor: Itsekiri, and out of interest, in Brazil, it is called Grageru or Abageru.
It consists of sandpaper similar to shell and kernel
Parts Used: kernel
Uses: condiment in soups, mixed to make spice blends for peppersoup
- Grains of Selim – Pepper Soup Spices
The fruits are slender, slightly torulose, dark brown or black, and approximately 2 inches long, borne in clusters (separate carpels) on a thick penduncle (The Useful Plants of West Africa).
Other names: African, Guinea, Ethiopian Pepper
Botanical name: Xylopia Aethiopica
Urheri – Urhobo; Unien – Bini; Atta – Ibibio/Efik; Uda – Igbo; Eeru – Yoruba
It consists of skin and seeds. The seeds are bitter.
Parts Used: both–the skin is used more often, ground and added to soups or bruised and used whole.
Uses: Used as a seasoning in soups, in spice blends for peppersoup, in agbo (bitters), in water to purify it, and as a flavoring agent in palm wine.
- Uziza – Pepper Soup Spices
Other names: Guinea Cubebs, West African Black Peppers, Bush Peppers
Piper Guineense
Edusa – Ibibio; Eti-nkeni – Efik; Uziza – Igbo; Iyere – Yoruba
It consists of dried blackberries.
Uses: condiments used in soups, rice, etc.
- Alligator Pepper – Pepper Soup Spices
Other names: Grains of Paradise
Aframomum Melegueta, botanical name
Bini-Ehie ado; Ntuen – Efik; Ose oji/okwa – Igbo; Oburo – Yoruba
It consists of skin and seeds. The seeds are aromatic and pungent, with some strains of cardamom flavor.
The seeds are pulverized and added to soups and stews; they can also be swallowed with kola nuts for a numbing effect.
It is used as a seasoning in soups, in spice blends for peppersoup, in agbo (bitters), in water to purify it, and as a flavoring agent in palm wine.
Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta), which is used to make pepper soup spices, has a number of health benefits, including the ability to prevent infections and treat wounds, protect against travel dangers, treat stomach problems like ulcers, worms, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and stimulate desires.
- Tetrapleura Tetraptera – Pepper Soup Spices
Other names: Prekese [Ghana]
Aframomum Melegueta, botanical name
Yoruba – Aridan; Edem Inang – Efik; Ighimiakhie – Bini; Usho usho – Igbo
It consists of long-winged fruit pods, two hardy edible wings, and two soft and delicious edible wings.
Soft wings are edible and are used in this recipe.
used: roasted and ground for soups and sauces; ground for soups. Palm wine is sometimes flavored with ground pulp.
- Umilo, Omilo
Other names: Cocoplum [Caribbean]
Chrysobalanus icaco
Omilo/Umilo – Itsekiri
It consists of two parts: shell and seed/kernel.
The Parts Used: shell is broken and the seed/kernel that is inside is used.
- Ocimum gratissimum, Efrin, Nchanwu, African Basil, Clove Basil This pungent herb is used in pepper soups, salads, pottages, and as a stand-alone vegetable.
- Uyayak (nine) (Aridan, Prekese, Tetrapleura tetraptera). Potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are among the macro-elements found in abundance.
Homemade Nigerian Pepper soup spice Mix from scratch using traditional African spices.
Nigerian Pepper Soup Spice Mix is incredibly simple to prepare, and the aroma is far superior to store-bought versions.
You’ll know exactly what goes into your pepper soup spice mix, aside from the fresh aroma, because it contains no additives or preservatives.
This is how you make it.
Homemade Nigerian Pepper Soup Ingredients
You’ll need the following items:
- Nutmeg 6–8 pieces of calabash
- 8 negro pepper chunks (Uda seeds)
- 1 tablespoon seeds (Atariko/Ulima seed) of Aligator pepper
- This makes approximately 3 tablespoons of pepper soup spice combination.
Note: Some people like to add dried ginger roots and cubeb peppers (uziza seeds) to their blend, so feel free to do so.
Prepare the calabash nutmeg by roasting it in a frying pan until it turns dark brown and emits a pleasant aroma. Remove the outer layer of skin with a gentle peeling motion.
Preparation
- To begin, roast the Calabash Nutmeg in a frying pan until it begins to get dark brown and emits a pleasant aroma. Then, remove the seed from the inside by gently peeling off the outer skin.
- Secondly, to make a fine powder, put the calabash nutmeg, Negro pepper (Uda seeds), and Aligator pepper (Atariko/Ulima seeds) in a blender and then, grind to a fine powder.
- After that, fill an airtight jar with the mixture and store it somewhere dry. Finally, if stored properly, this pepper soup spice combination can last up to a year.
You now have your own homemade pepper soup spice, which you can use in any Nigerian pepper soup recipe.
Q&A about Peppersoup Spice
What is Peppersoup spice?
Allspice, peppercorn, ginger, cayenne, fennel seeds, and cumin are among the ingredients. The flavor of allspice is woodsy and has notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Therefore, if you don’t have any allspice, you can substitute it with a half teaspoon of each of the following: cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
What makes up pepper soup spices? Pepper soup spice mix.
- 8 skins/barks of urheri (grains of Selim), bitter seeds discarded.
- 2 seeds of gbafilo, shelled, and seeds roughly chopped.
- 2 seeds of umilo, shelled and seeds roughly chopped.
- 4 seeds of erhe (calabash nutmeg), shelled.
- 1/2teaspoon alligator pepper (grains of paradise)
- 1/2teaspoon uziza seeds.
Do you make pepper soup with ehuru?
Because of its potent aroma, ehuru is a seed that is utilized as a spice in regional traditional soups and dishes.
It is primarily used to make dishes like goat-meat stew and pepper soup.
What ingredients make up Nigerian pepper soup?
In West Africa, Nigerian pepper soup is a simple but filling comfort food.
It also goes by the name “African Pepper Soup,” and as the name suggests, it is a fiery broth cooked with a combination of flavorful African spices.
For this recipe, goat meat was utilized. But you can also eat fish, chicken, lamb, or beef.
Can you make pepper soup using cloves?
I used allspice, peppercorn, ginger, cayenne, fennel seeds, and cumin among other spices.
The flavor of allspice is woodsy and has notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Therefore, you can substitute allspice with half a teaspoon of each clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you don’t have any allspice on hand.
What is Nigerian pepper?
Tatashe: What we refer to as tatashe in Nigeria is referred to in Mexican cuisine as “poblano pepper.”
It is a pepper with a moderate heat level and is a member of the same Capsicum annum family as bell peppers.
Because tatashe is uncommon in the UK, we typically use red bell pepper and, on occasion, romano pepper, depending on availability.
Is Nigerian pepper soup healthy?
Nigerian pepper soup has a lot of vital elements, like capsaicin, which can aid with colds and fevers.
No matter how the dish is altered, meat and fish are frequently included.
Additionally, both components are superior providers of protein and other nutrients, making pepper soup a wholesome and nutritious dish.
How is ehuru used?
Ehuru (Calabash Nutmeg, Mondora myristica).
When the nut is cold enough to handle, crack it open and powder it.
It tastes especially good in seafood recipes, pottages, and pepper soups.
A teaspoon or two added at the end of cooking transforms jollof rice completely!
What is Cameroon pepper?
Cameroon pepper, often referred to as “Yellow Pepper” or “Black Pepper,” is manufactured from dried Scotch Bonnet peppers and is extremely fiery and pungent.
It gives food a distinct “Nigerian flavor.” The word “Cameroon” in its name relates to the method of drying.
Is Ehuru used for pepper soup?
Because of its potent aroma, ehuru is a seed that is used as a spice in regional traditional soups and dishes.
It is primarily used to make dishes like goat-meat stew and pepper soup.
Why does pepper soup taste bitter?
If you use too much pepper soup spice, your soup can come out bitter.
Never add more than one tablespoon at a time; just add another if you prefer a stronger flavor.
If you’re not making a sizable amount, add no more than two teaspoons.
What is the function of calabash nutmeg?
In addition to its use as a flavoring in food preparation or baking, calabash nutmeg has a variety of ancient therapeutic uses.
It has been claimed to aid in digestive problems and, when ground into a powder, can act as an antiseptic when applied to inflamed skin.
Some people classify it as both an antibacterial and a stimulant.
Is uziza seed the same as black pepper?
It is also known as the West African Black Pepper or Ashanti Pepper when referred to by a name other than its botanical name or tribal allusion.
Most tribes in Nigeria frequently utilize uziza spice to prepare soups such ofensala, which is unique to the Igbo, and also afiaefere, an Efik soup, as well as pepper soup.
What is Cameroon pepper?
Cameroon pepper, often referred to as “Yellow Pepper” or “Black Pepper,” is manufactured from dried Scotch Bonnet peppers and is extremely fiery and pungent.
It gives food a distinct “Nigerian flavor.” The word “Cameroon” in its name relates to the method of drying.
Are there peppers called paradise peppers?
Although they belong to the same family as ginger, grains of paradise are most closely linked to cardamom.
These spices, also known as melegueta pepper, are often used in traditional foods from North and West Africa and are renowned for adding a rich, black pepper flavor.
What is the English name for Uziza seed?
Uziza Seed (piper guineense)
Uziza seed in English is piper guineense, Uziza seed is called Iyere in Yoruba.
It is an earthy pepper that is commonly known as Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Cubeb, Soro wisa, Guinea cubed, and other names.
However, it has a peak value of pungency, and the flavor is strong and distinct
How is ehuru ground?
You must roast them first. You set it on fire and then, remove it after 30 to 1 minute, before pounding.
It’s all set. Don’t forget to remove the shell before grinding the seed into fine powder.
What does UDA seed do in the body? Functions of UDA seed
Antioxidants in it help to fight infections. The body’s response to wounds, infections, traumas and other tissue damage is inflammation.
Uda seed is rich in potent anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidant agents that aid to fight any free radical effects in the body
What spices are used in Nigerian cooking?
8 Spices and Seasoning you will find in my Nigerian Kitchen
- Salt is the one seasoning that gives taste to our cooking
- This is my favorite seasoning for any type of meat that I will use to cook stew
- Ehu or Ehuru or Ariwo.
- Stock Cubes
- Onions
- Curry Powder
- Nutmeg
- Black Pepper.
How can red pepper soup be made less bitter?
Because of how salt interacts with our taste buds, it lessens bitter flavors.
Green bell peppers will more effectively disguise the bitterness in dishes with more salt than they will in dishes with less salt.
What other name would you give to calabash nutmeg?
Ehuru, ariwo, awerewa, ehiri, airama, African orchid nutmeg, muscadier de Calabash, and lubushi are some of the other names for calabash nutmeg.
Does nutmeg increase fertility? How to Increase Fertility with Nutmeg?
Nutmeg, according to Ayurveda, soothes the nervous system and boosts blood flow to a woman’s reproductive organs.
This is the rationale behind the recommendation to consume nutmeg during pregnancy.
What is calabash nutmeg in Yoruba?
In Nigeria, it is known as “Ehuru” in Igbo, “Abolakoshe” in Yoruba, and “Ebenoyoba” in Benin.
Monodora myristica also goes by the popular names African nutmeg and calabash nutmeg.
In addition, African traditional medicine uses bark, seeds, and leaves to cure a variety of diseases.
What is the English name for utazi leaf?
The Eastern region of Nigeria (Igbo/Ibo) refers to a local leaf or herb known as utazi by the scientific name Congronema latifolium.
This leaf is a tropical rainforest plant that is known as arokeke in the Western part of Nigeria.
People primarily use it as a vegetable, medicine, or spice.
What are the benefits of uziza?
Roughages, which might relieve stomach aches and menstrual cramps, are abundant in uziza.
Due to its high dietary fiber content, uziza spice aids in preventing constipation.
The leaves are pale green when fresh and turn deeper green when frozen, dried, or powdered and dried. They have a peppery flavor.
What is the Nigerian name for black pepper seed?
Iyere Piper guineense, also known as uziza in Igbo and iyere in Yoruba, belongs to the Piperaceae family.
This plant’s fruit is a priceless spice known as black pepper, Benin pepper, Ashanti pepper, and other regional names.
Black pepper and piper nigrum are both names for the same plant, and they should be used interchangeably.
Which seasoning is the best in Nigeria?
Maggi is the greatest seasoning cube in Nigeria thanks to its years of expertise in enhancing the flavor of food.
The chicken seasoning cube from Knorr is the best in Nigeria. The only difference is that you would need to use more of it to attain the same Maggi-like saltiness.
A product of Unilever that has now become a household name
What is the name of Ataiko in English?
Ataiko: A tiny seed used in Banga soup (Otiako). At last discovered, Aframomum subsericeum.
Although it may occasionally go by the name “Alligator Pepper,” this term is really used for a number of Aframomum species, including the much more well-known “Grains of Paradise” (Aframomum melegueta).
What seasoning is the healthiest?
8 of the healthiest herbs and spices and their health benefits
- Tumeric
- Ginger
- Chili pepper
- Parsley
- Cumin
- Peppermint
- Echinacea
- Cinnamon
Is Cameroon pepper healthy?
Helps the Body to Protect:
Antioxidant piperine, found in Cameroon pepper, aids in the body’s defense against free radicals. Free radicals can cause inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and premature aging.
Consequently, Cameron pepper use aids in preventing these illnesses and ailments from affecting your body.
Exactly how spicy is Cameroon pepper?
They lack the typical scotch bonnet flavor and are not at all spicy.
It has a milder heat and flavor than typical chili pepper.
Additionally, it has a smokey flavor that changes the taste of the food being prepared. Not terrible but not a replacement
What is chili pepper called in Nigeria?
Piri piri
Dry pepper (Piri piri/chili)
Nigerians grind dry pepper using piri piri as the primary ingredient.
Most piri piri are rated between 50,000 and 175,000 units of heat.
Are grains of paradise the same as alligator pepper?
In contrast to grains of paradise, which are only marketed as seeds, the alligator pepper is sold as the full pod, which includes the seed.
Additionally, it has a stronger scent than the seeds of A. melegueta (Grains of Paradise).
The intensity of the heat is what has retained Alligator pepper in people’s memories.
Is Uziza leaf good for fertility?
Improves Fertility
In homeopathic medicine, uziza is used to treat infertility.
It can be taken with honey to treat infertility in both men and women, and it can increase low sperm counts in men.
What does Ehuru taste like?
To complement the earthy, caramel-like taste of the calabash nutmeg, also known as ehuru, you want a honey that is powerful rather than sweet.
This is not your standard nutmeg; instead, it has a flavor that is both savory and sweet, with notes of cumin and coriander, as well as frankincense and a faint sense of cedar.
What is the Twi name for cloves?
Cloves In Twi, cloves are referred to as Dadoa Amba, Pepre, or Mbrego Amba. They boost food flavor while promoting digestion.
