NIGERIAN USU FLOUR - 500g
£3.00 GBP
Sale price
£3.00 GBP
Regular price
£3.00 GBP
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NIGERIAN USU FLOUR - 500g
£3.00 GBP
Sale price
£3.00 GBP
Regular price
£3.00 GBP
Nigerian Usu (or Osu) flour is a traditional, highly nutritious soup thickener, particularly popular among the Igbo people in Eastern Nigeria. It is derived from the dried, ground seeds of Pleurotus tuber-regium (a type of sclerotium/mushroom).
Key Details About Usu Flour:
- Usage: It is primarily used to thicken Nigerian soups like Egusi (melon seed soup), Ogbono, and other traditional delicacies.
- Culinary Application: It is often mixed with ground egusi to create "Akpuruakpu Mgbam" (moulded egusi balls) or used on its own as a thickener, offering a rich, creamy consistency.
- Preparation: The raw seed has a dark brown exterior that is peeled to reveal a white interior; it is very hard and is typically soaked in water before being ground into a paste or powder.
- Nutritional and Health Benefits: Usu is highly nutritious, with a protein content of around 64%. It is considered a functional food with potential health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, possessing anti-inflammatory properties, and helping to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Osu vs. Usu
Osu/Usu is a common Igbo soup thickener that holds Egusi (melon) together in soup, similar to how achi or ofor is used.