Egusi facts for kids

Egusi seeds without shells

Egusi seeds with shells

Egusi (from Yoruba ẹ̀gúsí; also known by variations including egwusi, agusi, ohue, Ikpan, Ikon, or agushi) ⁱ// is the name for the protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in West African cuisine.

Authorities disagree whether the word is used more properly for the seeds of the colocynth, those of a particular large-seeded variety of the watermelon, or generically for those of any cucurbitaceous plant. The characteristics and uses of all these seeds are broadly similar. Major egusi-growing nations include Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Mali, and Cameroon.

Species from which egusi is derived include Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus lanatus.

Usage

Egusi soup is a kind of soup thickened with the ground seeds and popular in West Africa, with considerable local variation. Besides the seeds, water, and oil, egusi soup typically contains leaf vegetables, palm oil, other vegetables, seasonings, and meat. Leaf vegetables typically used for egusi soup include bitterleaf, pumpkin leaf, celosia and spinach. Typical other vegetables include tomatoes and okra. Typical seasonings include chili peppers, onions, and locust beans. Also commonly used are beef, goat, fish, shrimp, or crayfish.

In Nigeria, egusi is common among the people of the southeastern Igbo people, Efik, Ibibio and Annang people of south-south Nigeria, and the southwestern part of Nigeria by the Yoruba people of southern Nigeria.

In Ghana, egusi is also called akatoa or agushi, and as in Nigeria is used for soup and stew, and most popularly in palaver sauce.

In the late 1980s, the Government of Canada funded a project intended to develop a machine to help Cameroonians shell egusi seeds. A machine has been developed in Nigeria to shell egusi.

Gallery

• 

  A plate of pounded yam, and egusi soup

• 

  Pounded yam, and egusi soup served with fish

• 

  Egusi and bitter leaf soup

• 

  Egusi powder with powdered lemon

• 

  Egusi soup with ponmo and beef

• 

  Egusi soup with vegetables and dried catfish, prawns, beef and roasted cowskin