UKWA(TRECULIA AFRICANA)

One of my favourite Igbo delicacy is Ukwa(Treculia Africana )which is the seed of the African Breadfruit. It is unique in it's own way and the taste is "Awesome". I could perceive the aroma of Ukwa 15 buildings away from my home(LOL). Its aroma travels far and faster than the speed of light. And once it is perceived, your whole body system will ensure you don't rest until you eat it (lol). It is highly priced in the market due to its nutritious and tasty values. In this part of Nigeria where I reside, a cup of ukwa goes for #400 or #500 (chei!)depending on the size of the seed(lol. Ndị mmadụ). You can get it at a cheaper rate in Igbo land. Ukwa is a seasonal fruit.
To extract the seeds from the fruit, the fruits are allowed to ripen and fall from the large trees in which they grow on. The fruits are then allowed to rot, and machetes are used to crack open the fruit or sometimes the fruit is even thrown on large rocks. The extracted ukwa seed which is very messy is then placed in a basket (most times), washed thoroughly and allowed to dry well (under the sun). There is a long lengthy process before the seeds that are eaten are fully extracted. The seeds are typically roasted and eaten with coconut or palm kernel (aki na ukwa) or can be boiled to soften them making a sort of porridge or jollof (ukwa a gwọrọ agwọ). Aki na ukwa has been described as the smallest balanced food combo in Nigeria as it is believed that Ukwa contains all food nutrients except one (vitamins) which is found in coconut, hence a perfect complimentary combination.


Different segments of the roads in Nigeria is dotted with energetic Aki & Ukwa hawkers- young Igbo girls and boys proudly calling out to motorists to buy the packaged food. "Gonu ukwa. Ukwa fifty naira gị ébé a! Aki, twenty twenty naira!". One cannot resist the sight of Aki na ukwa. It's a big temptation especially when all you have on you is your transport fare back home (ije uwa).
Ukwa is such a versatile food with a natural delicious flavour. It can be cooked plain without any ingredient, not even salt and it will taste great especially when prepared with fresh seeds. Ukwa could be cooked with potash and just eaten like that or it could also be separated from the water for just the seeds to be mashed with some ingredients and thereafter served with the extract (mmiri ukwa). Ukwa has several health benefits such as Low saturated fat, No cholesterol, Very low in sodium, No sugar, High in dietary Fibre, High in niacin, High in potassium, High in thiam and many other benefits. It has essential oils and it is a very good source of protein and a good part of diabetic and vegetarian diet.
Ukwa is indeed a natural blessing to the Igbo people. How do you like your ukwa prepared? As for me, I don't have a favourite method. I eat both roasted and boiled Ukwa. Ukwa is one food we Igbos don't joke with.
Source:Mbanese Mirrors