Indigenous Nigerian Drinks
Food and drinks are major aspects of any culture and in Nigeria, they deeply reflect the unique elements of each local terrain and tribe. Various ethnic groups and communities have specially made local drinks peculiar to them. These drinks are usually nutritious, all-natural, made from fruits, plants, and animals. On Today’s Saturday small chops, we explore some popular local drinks in Nigeria.
Kunu
Kunu is a popular local drink from Northern Nigeria. Kunu has been named differently by several non-Nigerians but mostly resonates when called ‘the Nigerian Irish Cream’. Kunu is of various types; Kunu Zaki, made from millet and Kunu Gyada, made from groundnuts. Due to many creative experiments, other varieties of Kunu like the Kunu Aya have been produced with tiger nuts. Kunu is very tasty and rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
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Adoyo
Adoyo is a non-alcoholic yellowish drink made from ripe pineapple and omidun (fermented pap water). Lemon grass and lime are sometimes added into an already made Adoyo to serve as a herbal supplement. Some believe the drink serves as a cure for malaria.
Palm Wine
Palm Wine is one of Nigeria’s most popular traditional drinks consumed by almost all ethnic groups in the country. Palm Wine is an integral part of almost all Nigerian ethnic cuisine. It is gotten from palm trees via tapping. Palmwine is also known as Tombo or Pammy in some regions. When fresh, Palm Wine could be mixed with other alcoholic drinks or left to ferment. In some local Nigerian communities, palm wine is used to cure skin irritations.
Zobo
Zobo drink is Nigeria’s nonalcoholic red wine. Zobo is made from dried Roselle plant flower and other ingredients such as ginger, pineapple and garlic. These days, creatives sometimes add lemon, chilli and flavours to enhance its taste. Zobo is healthy and rich in nutrients that build the body system. It also aids digestion and helps reduce high blood pressure.
Fura De Nunu
Fura De Nunu from the Fulani tribe contains fresh natural milk extract from cows, which makes it highly nutritious. Fura, which forms the thickness of the drink contains millet and guinea corn, giving it a dark-brown look when mixed with the Nunu. The drink is rich in protein and calcium.
Groundnut Milk Drink
The groundnut milk drink is made from raw groundnuts and water. The drink is made by peeling raw groundnuts, blending with water and squeezing out the rich liquid. Groundnut-milk drink is highly rich in protein.
Food and drinks are really important in all cultures across Nigeria. Other drinks include Pito, Burukutu, Omi wara and more. Recently, these locally made drinks have been packaged and sold at important events. They have also become lucrative businesses for Nigerians who chose to brand and package them properly.
Tell us about the drinks from your tribe.