Traditional Crops

Bambara groundnut

Bambara groundnut is a grain legume grown mainly by subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. It is cultivated for its subterranean pods, is extremely hardy and produces reasonable yields even under conditions of drought and low soil fertility. The pods are approximately 1.5 cm long, and may be wrinkled and slightly oval or round, containing one to two seeds. The colour of the seeds varies from black, dark-brown, red, white, cream or a combination of these colours. At harvest, i.e. when the pods ripen, the plant is extracted from the soil, exposing the subterranean nuts.

Where it is found

Bambara groundnut is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa where it is widely cultivated. The centre of origin is most likely North-Eastern Nigeria and Northern Cameroon, in West Africa. The species is also grown to a lesser extent in some Asian countries such as India, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

How to eat it

Dumplings

Ingredients: 500 grams Bambara nut flour, 50ml palm oil, 2 stock cubes (crushed), 1 small onion (chopped fine), ground chilli pepper (to taste), salt (to taste) and warm water (as needed). Container: bowls, aluminium foil bags or plantain leaves.

Preparation: Pour the flour into a bowl, add the palm oil and mix thoroughly, until the flour changes from white to orange or yellow. Add the warm water and mix thoroughly, making sure the mixture is not too watery and is without lumps. Add the stock cubes, onions, chilli pepper and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a container and place in a pot of boiling water. Boil for 45-60 minutes, adding water if too dry. Leave to cool and then serve.

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