Negro Pepper (Uda)

Negro pepper, or Uda, is a unique and flavourful spice commonly used in West African cuisine. It is native to countries like Nigeria and is valued for its distinctive taste in cooked meals and health benefits. In traditional Nigerian medicine, Uda is known for its health-promoting properties, such as reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.

Product Description:

• 100% whole Negro pepper seeds: natural and organic
• Free from added sugar, preservatives, stabilisers, or oils
• Suitable for vegans, strict vegetarians, and plant-based eaters
• This product is 50 grams of negro pepper

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Ingredients: Negro Pepper (100%)

Shelf-life: 3 years (with proper storage and care)

Other names for Negro pepper: Uda, Selim pepper, kimba pepper, African pepper, Moor pepper, and its scientific name is Xylopia aethiopica.

Taste: Negro pepper has a pungent, spicy taste with smoky and earthy notes.

Care Instructions:

To maintain the freshness and flavour of Negro pepper as a product, follow these care instructions:

Store in a cool, dry place: Keep Negro pepper away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause the spice to lose its flavour and potency. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal storage location.
Use an airtight container: To protect Negro pepper from moisture, air, and potential contaminants, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Avoid strong odours: Spices, including Negro pepper, can absorb odours from other foods or substances. Store Negro pepper away from strong-smelling items to prevent contamination and maintain the original flavour.
Check for freshness: Regularly inspect your Negro pepper for signs of spoilage, such as mould, off-odours, or a significant loss of flavour. Discard any Negro pepper that shows these signs.
Use within the recommended time frame: Although spices generally have a long shelf life, their flavour and potency decrease over time. Using Negro pepper within 1-2 years of purchase is best, depending on the form (whole or ground) and storage conditions.
Proper handling: Always use clean, dry utensils when handling Negro pepper to avoid contamination and maintain freshness. Avoid touching the spice directly with your hands, as the oils and moisture from your skin can affect the quality.

By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your Negro pepper remains fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

Nutrients and Compounds in Negro Pepper:

Essential oils: Negro pepper contains essential oils that contribute to its unique aroma and flavour. These essential oils may also have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Alkaloids: Negro pepper is a source of alkaloids, which are bioactive compounds linked to potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Dietary fibre: As a spice, Negro pepper contains dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Minerals: Negro pepper contains trace amounts of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, essential for various bodily functions. However, the small quantities typically consumed in a meal make its contribution to the daily intake of these minerals negligible.
Antioxidants: Negro pepper is a source of antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress.

Approximate nutritional breakdown per 100 grams of negro pepper:

Energy: 290 kcal
Protein: 15.0 g
Carbohydrates: 52.0 g
Total fat: 9.0 g
Dietary fibre: 21.0 g
Sodium: 18 mg
Potassium: 1,000 mg
Calcium: 300 mg
Magnesium: 280 mg
Iron: 7.0 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, processing methods, and storage. Additionally, the nutritional contribution of negro pepper in a meal will likely be minimal due to the small quantities typically consumed.

Potential Health Benefits of Negro Pepper:

Digestive health: The dietary fibre in negro pepper may help improve digestion and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, some studies suggest that negro pepper may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can support a healthy gut environment.

Pain relief: Some research indicates that negro pepper has analgesic properties, making it potentially useful for relieving pain, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Antioxidant properties: Negro pepper contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Antimicrobial activity: Negro pepper has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, which may help fight against certain bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Potential anti-inflammatory benefits: Some studies suggest that the alkaloids found in negro pepper may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or asthma.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of negro pepper, and its consumption should be seen as a complement to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle rather than a standalone treatment for specific health conditions.

Culinary Uses for Negro Pepper:

Negro pepper is a versatile spice that can be used in various dishes to add depth of flavour and a hint of heat. Some popular uses for negro pepper include:

Stews and soups: Negro pepper is a common ingredient in traditional West African stews and soups, such as pepper soup, where it imparts a warm, earthy flavour and aroma.
Meat and fish dishes: The pungent flavour of negro pepper pairs well with proteins such as meat, poultry, and fish, enhancing their taste and adding complexity to the dish.
Spice blends: Negro pepper can be combined with other spices to create unique spice blends, such as suya spice, an African barbecue spice mix.
Rice dishes: Add negro pepper to rice dishes like jollof rice or pilafs for a subtle heat and depth of flavour.
Marinades and rubs: Crush or grind negro pepper and use it as part of a marinade or dry rub for meats, poultry, or fish before grilling, roasting, or baking.
When using negro pepper, it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust according to taste, as its pungent flavour can easily overpower a dish.

You can read more about Alligator Pepper on the NaijaMarket Blog.

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