LEARN WITH STEEM: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UKAZI PLANT THAT WILL AMAZE YOU!!

Introduction

Greetings to you all. In this post, I would be sharing with us what you need to know about this wonderful leaf called ukazi; uses, preservation, benefits and side effects.

Ukazi leaf.

Ukazi Plant: Meaning

Ukazi leaf, called Gnetum africanum (botanical name), Wild Spinach (English name) is a popular leaf used for preparing soup and other special local delicacies.
This plant is peculiar to Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon and Nigeria. It grows both seeds and leaves which are edible.
Source
Ukazi is a vine like plant that grows on trees, bamboo, fence etc. It is a perennial plant and can grow on any soil most especially on dense areas devoid of too much sun and rain.
In Nigeria, It's name varies from tribe to tribe. The Ibibio/Efik calls it Afang, some other parts of Igbo tribe like Abiriba/Ohafia/Bende call it Okazi, while the Imolites (Owerri) and Abians (Umuahia, Ngwá) call it Ụkazị.

Ukazi plant

Health Benefits Of Ukazi Leaf

This wonderful plant has so many health benefits some of which includes;

• It contains a lot of iron which aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.
• It helps to reduce blood pressure.
• For those looking for what to eat for in order to losose weight, Ukazi leaf is the sure deal.
• Ukazi leaf contains fibre which is so high that it serves as laxative and aides treatment of constipation.
• It also has a high content of protein which helps in the repair of body tissues.
• It is also used in the treatment of anemia.
• It helps to build blood production.
• For diabetic patients, it helps lower blood sugar in the body.
• It serves as an antidote for poison.
• It is used to treat nausea and vomiting related cases too.
• Regular consumption of this leaf helps to reduce the risk of cardiac related diseases and coronary heart diseases.
• It is a fertility and libido booster both in male and female.
  Source

Asides the health benefits of Ukazi plant, it has huge financial benefits.

• Ukazi leaf is in high demand such that anyone who has a farm of it will be cashing out.
  One of the main soups prepared in most ceremonies these days beside egusi is Afang soup. Almost all restaurants, buka, mama put, eateries/fast food usually have Afang soup in their menu.
  A big sized head of ukazi leaf sells as much as ₦1,000 - ₦1,500, and a medium sized head is for between ₦300- ₦500, depending on the location and market. Ukazi business is very lucrative.

Although eating Ukazi has many benefits, it also has side effects too. Consumption of too much Afang Soup or Ukazi salad can cause;

• Stomach upset or irritation which may lead to vomiting.
• Internal heat.
• Stomach bloating which may lead to passing of gas frequently.
  

Uses of Ukazi Leaf

Like I wrote earlier, Ukazi leaf is used to prepare soup and some local delicacies. Some of them are;

• In Ngwá land, the ukazi soup is their native soup. It's usually prepared with akpuruakpu mgbam and achara with lots of dry fish, stockfish and the likes. Sometimes, thickener like achị, ọfọ or ụkpọ is added. A ceremony in Ngwá land is incomplete without this soup.
• The popular soup of the Owerri people called "ofe Owerri" is also prepared with ukazi leaf.
• For the Akwa Ibomites and Cross Riverians, their popular "Afang soup" is prepared with ukazi and waterleaf.
• The Ohafians in Abia State prepares ukazi leaf like African salad to be eaten with pomo, fish, prawn etc.
• Also, Ukazi is used to prepare this delicacy called Abacha ( African salad). It serves as a vegetable.
• For some too, ukazi served as the vegetable in their nkwobi, a special delicacy prepared with goat head or cow leg.
  There is no limit to the type of soup that you can use ukazi leaf to prepare, all depends on your preferences. For me, I use it to prepare ogbono, okra soups. I also combine it with uha leaf to make achị soup.
  

Preservation of Ukazi Leaf

Preservation of ukazi leaf is very simple and if properly done can last for months.

• For the fresh uncut leaf, wrap up with newspaper, plantain or cassava leaf and put it the lower compartment of the fridge where water won't touch it. Alternatively, it can be kept in an airy place. It doesn't like water and heat.
• For the cut ones, you can put in a plastic container covered tightly and keep in the fridge where it won't freeze.

Fresh cut ukazi in a plastic container.

Alternatively, you can dry it in an airy environment or early morning sunlight after which you put in container covered tightly or a ziploc bag and keep in the fridge. This will make it retain its color, nutrients and can last for months. The picture of the ukazi below has lasted close to a year now.

Dry Ukazi in a ziploc bag.

Conclusion

Ukazi is a healthy plant or vegetable to eat. It's benefits outweighs the side effects but if you notice that it is not good for your body, you can stop eating it or just consume a little.

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