What is Uziza Seed? Everything You Need To Know| What is uziza seed Health benefits?
What is Uziza Seed?
Uziza as it’s called by the Igbo is an herb that is known for its botanical name, Piper guineense. In the Yorubian culture, it’s known as Ata Iyere.
In addition to calling it something other than its native name, or tribal meaning it’s also referred to by the name West African Black Pepper or Ashanti pepper.
When you are trying to identify the diverse African food spices individuals often mistake uziza seeds for black pepper.
They may appear like each other, but they’re not the same. Each one has distinct characteristics that distinguish each from the others.
But, the Uziza seed has an oval shape. When dried, it’s typically black. However, when fresh, the colour will be greenish, and then changes to orange, before finally changing to black.
Let’s look at them in the following paragraphs.
Uziza Seed (piper guineense)
The spicy uziza seed (piper guineense) is indigenous from West Africa. It is found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia, sierra leone and congo. The spice is utilized to create various traditional dishes. In addition, it creates a distinct aroma and flavor.
Uziza is an earthy spice which is also known as Ashanti pepper Benin pepper Cubeb, Soro wisa, Guinea cubed, and many other names. However, it is the highest pungency value and its flavor is distinctive and intense.
Black Pepper (pipper Nigrum)
Piper the nigrum (black pepper) is an edible fruit that is cultivated on a flowering vine within the Piperaceae family. Additionally, the peppercorn is round and has a green hue. It is harvested before the colour transforms to red and turns black after drying.
The most notable thing is that the spice black pepper comes from India. which originated within India and is used extensively in Indian food preparation. It is also used in cooking as well as manufacturing spice blends throughout the world due to its health benefits.
Taste
Uziza has a strong flavour, with a woody and spicy flavour. Black pepper is, however, isn’t as great. This is because uziza has linalool in it, giving its flavour a spicy tang.
Black pepper doesn’t have this flavour because it doesn’t contain chemical linalool.
Aroma
Both are fragrant spices. Additionally, Uziza Seed spice has an intense scent and is quite aromatic. As opposed to black pepper it has moderate flavor and scent. While black pepper can be utilized in many recipes.
Uziza can only be employed in dishes that contain that uziza flavor. Create a soup of chicken using uziza as an example.
What is uziza seed? -What are the health benefits of uziza Leaves?
In addition to creating a name within its culinary market. Uziza is also known for its therapeutic properties. It is a significant source of tannins, dietary fiber proteins, alkaloids glycosides, steroids flavonoids and essential oils saponins, tannins, phenols and peptides.
The leaves are rich in the presence of beta-caryophyllene which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Uziza seeds and leaves are frequently utilized in unconventional ways to treat infertility associated with its curative and healthy applications.
The leaves that are fresh from uziza are cooked and then consumed as a tea to reap its benefits.
What is uziza seed leaves used for?
The leaves with a glossy appearance (false cubebs) contain a “spicy smell.” Pepper soup, Gi Nmiri Oku (yam pepper soup), egusi soup, Ofe Nsala, Ogbono soup and Oha/Ora are some of the most loved recipes made with it.
The leaves with peppery leaves appear pale green when they are fresh, and more dark green after being frozen, ground or dried.
It is mainly consumed in the eastern regions of Nigeria
After birth, women utilize it to remove any remaining material in the womb.
According to research, the leaves and seeds hold many potentialities in the treatment and prevention of various illnesses within the body. To give an illustration:
- It aids in fertility, especially the ovulation of women as well as penile erections among males.
- It helps relieve cramps associated with menstrual cycles and stomach pains.
- Aids in the treatment of cancer
- It increases your blood count
- It can help to prevent constipation.
- It assists in treating diarrhea as well as in the treatment of flatulence.
- Uziza leaves are also utilized to keep mosquitoes away from the bay.
- It is used to treat Rheumatism.
- Treatment and prevention of malaria
- It can help lower blood pressure.
- Keeps diabetes under control.
- It helps keep blood pressure under control.
- Appetite stimulation.
- Cough relief
- Reduce your weight
- Assist with the healing process postpartum.
- Dysentery must be treated.
Utilization in the form of Uziza Seed, and Black pepper
Uziza seeds are extremely versatile. They are a great option to reduce weight for example. It can also assist during post-partum treatment.
On its own doesn’t have any component that can aid with weight reduction or care for postpartum women. It’s just spicy and hot.
Black pepper is merely an ingredient in a spice
Black pepper is an ingredient. Uziza seeds, however, are also spice and an herb. The seeds are used in traditional medical practices. One could indeed claim it is uziza is more effective than the traditional medicine used to treat specific health diseases. But that’s a whole other topic.
In the end, both spices appear similar but should not be combined because they are distinct distinctions. Instead, utilize white pepper instead of black pepper since they’re identical to the same plant.
White pepper matured before being harvested. The black one should be removed from the lick which was picked while the pepper was green.
The pepper was left to dry after harvesting and the colour changed to white during the process. In the end, white pepper can be a bit hotter than black pepper.
What is the most efficient method to cleanse uziza leaves?
To kill the bacteria To kill bacteria, wash leaves in salt water before rinsing them with clean water.
Recipe for Uziza Soup
- In the beginning, in a cooking pan clean the stockfish and meat, and sprinkle with onion salt, cubes of cubes and seasoning.
- In the meantime, to allow the stock to release you need to add a small cup of water and allow it to steam and cook in the oven for about 20 minutes.
- Cook for 1 hour using the amount of water needed to achieve the desired amount.
- Additionally, you can add washed dry squid as well as chilli pepper, crayfish, Ghana pepper, and locust beans (Iru). Cook for about 30 minutes, covered.
- Cover for 10 to 15 mins before adding Achi (thickener). Depending on your taste, season with salt.
- Mix into the leaves that have already been sliced and washed. Finally, cover and put aside for not longer than 2 minutes.
There you have it! The soup is now ready for you to eat.
What to serve with
Eba, fufu and pounded yam or any other food you want to use are the most appropriate accompaniments.
This flavour makes it irresistible.
FAQs
What is Uziza seeds called in English?
Piper Guineense is the English term used to describe the Uziza seed In Yoruba, the Uziza seed is also known as Iyere. Uziza is also known as Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper Guinea cubed Cubeb, Soro wisa, and other names.
However, it does have a high-pungency peak as well as the flavour is distinct and strong.
What is uziza seed in french?
Uziza seed in french is called West African pepper or Guinea pepper
Does black pepper have the same properties thing as alligator pepper?
It is usually called a complicated variant of the black pepper without intensity.
Alongside its spicy flavour in addition to its peppery flavour, alligator pepper has aromas and flavours reminiscent of cloves and cardamom
What is uziza seed side effects?
Uziza seed is packed with a lot of health benefits and nutrients properties. However pregnant women should seek advice from the doctor before using it to prevent all inconveniences, as this can be harmful for the pregnancy process.