Piper guineense is the botanical name of the plant uziza. It is referred to as Ata iyere by the Yoruba and Ikong Adusa by the Ibibio-Efik. It is also known as Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, kukauabe, and Guinea cubeb in various regions of West Africa.
The leaves and fruits of the uziza plant are edible and can be used to season cuisine. It is highly similar to black pepper and gives food great flavor. Uziza's leaves can also be utilized to prepare a filling meal, such as Uziza soup, so it's not just the fruit that is valuable. We'll give you a quick and easy recipe to prepare yours!
How to make uziza soup
The primary ingredient in uziza soup is uziza leaves. Other ingredients include meat, palm oil, cocoyam or achi, dry fish or stock fish, iru or locust beans, chili pepper, crayfish, onions, salt, and stock cubes.
Here are the cooking procedures after chopping your onions and uziza leaves and steaming your meat.
- Add your ground crayfish, chili peppers, palm oil, and Iru to the boiling saucepan of steamed meat when it comes to a boil.
- Simmer the mixture for 25–30 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally.
- Then, depending on what you have, add the achi or cocoyam to thicken the soup and thoroughly stir. Add salt and seasoning to taste as well.
- Add your minced uziza leaves and boil the dish for about three minutes.
You can now bring it down as your uziza soup is ready. This meal can be eaten with any swallow of your choice ranging from fufu to eba.
Health benefits of uziza
These are a few advantages of consuming uziza:
- Anti-inflammatory characteristics: Uziza includes substances with anti-inflammatory effects, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which may help lessen inflammation and its symptoms.
- Anti-cancer properties: Uziza has anti-cancer qualities because it includes a flavonoid. This potent antioxidant can help the body fight off free radicals, a significant factor in developing cancer in human tissues.
- Cough relief: When one has cold or congested nasal passages, spices like uziza can create a runny nose and clear the throat. Uziza pepper can help clean your sinuses if you've contracted the flu.
- Digestive health: Uziza includes fiber that helps regulate bowel motions and avoid constipation, promoting digestive health. Moreover, the spice has astringent qualities that may lessen flatulence, bloating, and other digestive discomforts.
- Immune system booster: Uziza has been discovered to have immune-boosting qualities, which may aid the body in warding off illnesses and infections.
- Pain relief: Due to its analgesic characteristics, uziza has long been utilized as a natural medicine for pain alleviation.
- Extension of fertility and reduction of erectile dysfunction: Uziza leaves, and seeds have been used for millennia to increase fertility. Antioxidants are abundant in them, and they can help cleanse the blood vessels that supply the penis with blood.
- Antimicrobial activity: Uziza has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi, which may help prevent infections.
- Nutritional value: Uziza is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to take uziza soup?
Uziza is typically considered safe to ingest as a spice in moderation during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should use caution and consult their healthcare professional before consuming Uziza soup because too much spice isn't precisely advised for pregnant women.
Despite the lack of evidence on the safety of uziza during pregnancy, some traditional African treatments containing uziza have been linked to possible dangers to pregnancy, such as early labour.
Uziza may also have uterine stimulant effects, which could make contractions and preterm labor more likely in pregnant women. As a result, before eating Uziza during pregnancy, it is advised that you do so in moderation and talk to your doctor.
We would love to hear your thoughts below. What do you think of Uziza soup? What way do you like to make yours?
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