Ogiri facts for kids

Ogiri is a special kind of flavoring that comes from fermented oil seeds. Think of seeds like sesame seeds or egusi seeds. When seeds are fermented, it means they are left to change over time with the help of tiny living things like bacteria. This process makes them taste and smell very different.

Ogiri is a lot like other fermented foods you might know, such as iru or douchi. It has a strong smell that some people compare to cheese, miso (a Japanese paste), or even stinky tofu from Asia.

Where Does Ogiri Come From?

Ogiri is most popular in West Africa. It is a very common ingredient, especially among the Yoruba and Igbo people who live in Nigeria. They use it to add a rich, savory taste to many of their traditional dishes.

How Is Ogiri Made?

Making Ogiri in the traditional West African way is quite simple. It usually only needs three main things:

• Sesame seeds (or other oil seeds)
• Salt
• Water

The seeds are cleaned, soaked, and then left to ferment. This natural process breaks down the seeds and creates the unique flavor and smell that Ogiri is known for. It's a way of preserving food and making it more flavorful at the same time.

See also

In Spanish: Ogiri para niños