Locust Bean (Iru)

Locust bean is an aromatic local seasoning widely used in preparing soups and stews across in West Africa. It is called ‘iru‘ by Yorubas, ‘ogiri‘ by Igbos, and ‘dawa dawa’ by Hausas. It is also known as Irú or Eware among the Edo people of Nigeria. Locust beans are cultivated from a perennial deciduous tree found in Africa.  It is worthy to note that locust bean isn’t just a culinary condiment, as it is associated with myriads of health benefits, has valuable nutritional properties and numerous uses.