Akanu / Limestone – 100g

Description

Akanu (food-grade limestone, also called edible lime or obi nzu) is a time-honoured Nigerian cooking mineral used across West Africa to tenderise legumes, soften leafy greens, and reduce the cooking time of tough ingredients. It is similar in function to potash (akanwu) but milder, and is used interchangeably in many recipes.

Key features:

• Also known as edible limestone, edible lime, food-grade calcium carbonate
• 100g pack — ready to use
• Tenderises beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and other legumes
• Softens tough leafy greens (ewedu, ugwu, bitter leaf)
• Reduces cooking time significantly
• Traditional Nigerian kitchen staple

How to use:
Dissolve a small amount in water and add to the pot when cooking beans, cowpeas, or greens. For ewedu soup, a small pinch helps break down the leaves to the characteristic draw consistency. Also used in some versions of Ofe Onugbu and Egusi to soften ingredients and balance acidity. Use sparingly — a little transforms your cooking.