Locust Beans(iru, ogiri, dawa dawa)

Locust beans, iru (Yoruba) or ogiri (Igbo) or dawa dawa (Hausa) as we Nigerians know it, is a popular seed, grown on the branches of a tree and used in making soups and sauces. It is grown in many parts of Africa and it is invariably rich in protein and carbohydrate.

Types of Locust Beans 

Iru Woro (solid locust beans): Iru Woro can be used in making Egusi soup, ofada stew, ogbono soup, efo riro.

Iru Pete (mashed locust beans): Iru Pete can be used in making ayamashe, ewedu soup, pepper soup, oha soup. You can not go wrong with iru in Palm oil stew as well

Iru can be preserved in any way possible, soaked in water, salted, dried and refrigerated. If you feel it has lost its pungent aroma, you can always soak it in hot water again before use. People also preserve it in moi moi/banana leaves.

Health Benefits of Locust Beans

Iru has a free radical reducing ability and is an antioxidant for detoxifying the body because the fruit has a remarkable amount of polyphenols that accounts greatly for its anti-oxidizing properties.

It is useful for boosting the immune system, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

It can be infused or soaked in liquid for treating respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, cold, cough and fever.