Description
Bitter leaves, also known as Onugbu in Igbo and Ewuro in Yoruba, are a popular leafy green vegetable in West African cooking. Despite their strong, bitter flavor, bitter leaves are highly prized for their medicinal properties and their ability to enhance the taste of dishes. They are often used in traditional soups and stews, such as Ofe Onugbu (Bitter leaf soup) and Efo Riro, where their bitterness adds complexity and balances other flavors. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, bitter leaves are believed to have numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the body. Typically washed thoroughly to reduce their bitterness, bitter leaves add both flavor and nutrition to various African dishes.
