Egusi facts for kids

Egusi (pronounced eh-goo-see) is the name for the special seeds from certain plants like squash, melons, and gourds. These seeds are packed with protein! After they are dried and ground up, they become a super important ingredient in West African cooking.

People sometimes disagree about exactly which plant the word "egusi" refers to. It could be seeds from a wild melon called colocynth, or a special type of watermelon with large seeds. But generally, the word "egusi" is used for the seeds of any plant from the gourd family. All these seeds are quite similar and used in similar ways.

Many countries in West Africa grow a lot of egusi. These include Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Mali, and Cameroon. Some of the specific plants that give us egusi seeds are Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus lanatus (which is the watermelon plant).

Egusi in Cooking

Egusi soup is a very popular dish in West Africa. It's a thick soup made with ground egusi seeds. There are many different ways to make it, depending on where you are!

Besides the egusi seeds, water, and oil, egusi soup usually has lots of other yummy ingredients. These often include:

• Leafy vegetables: Like bitterleaf, pumpkin leaf, celosia, and spinach.
• Palm oil: This gives the soup a rich flavor and color.
• Other vegetables: Such as tomatoes and okra.
• Seasonings: Things like chili peppers for a little spice, onions, and locust beans.
• Meats: People often add beef, goat meat, fish, shrimp, or crayfish to their egusi soup.

In Nigeria, egusi soup is a favorite among many groups of people. This includes the Igbo, Efik, Ibibio, Annang, and Yoruba people.

In Ghana, egusi is also known as akatoa or agushi. Just like in Nigeria, it's used to make delicious soups and stews. It's especially popular in a dish called palaver sauce.

Gallery

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  A plate of pounded yam, and egusi soup

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  Pounded yam, and egusi soup served with fish

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  Egusi and bitter leaf soup

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  Egusi powder with powdered lemon

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  Egusi soup with ponmo and beef

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