Iru (Fermented Locust Beans)
₦500.00
Iru (fermented locust beans) has been used for centuries across West Africa for its delicious and healthful properties. Rich in protein and natural fats, it imparts a deep umami flavour to savoury or sweet dishes. It’s the fermented bean of the Nigerian Locust Tree and it has an incredible, complex flavour, somewhere in between chocolate, miso, and cheese.
- Origin: Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Aliases: Dadawa / dawadawa, ogiri, ogirisi, ugba, netetou, kainda, soumbala
- Process: Boiled, fermented and sun-dried
- Ingredients: Fermented locust beans (Parkia biglobosa)
- Tasting notes: Dark Chocolate • Roasted Nuts • Mild Cheese • Miso
COOKING
- Use as you would dried mushrooms or other dried natural sources of glutamates — soak in hot water to soften, or add to soups and stews.
- Add iru as an aromatic at the beginning of the cooking process to sautéed dishes, along with garlic, onions, etc.
- Use iru instead of MSG or bouillon cubes in West African (and other) recipes.
- Pairs well with: Black Urfa Chili, Cobanero Chili, Oregano Buds