Nkukwo leaf

Have you come across this leaf before??

What do you think it is used for?

What is it called in your dialect?

Well...I will help you answer a few of that.

This leaf may come out rare but much used in preparing the akwaibom delicacy known as Ekpang Nkukwo.

That is one of my mom's favourite meal and she wouldn't mind eating it every day.

The leaves seen here is what is used to wrap up the cocoyam and wateryam used in preparing the ekpang nkukwo.

The significant of that meal is much important that it is seen in the menu in any distinguished occasion or ceremony done by the ibibios.

You will always see it in traditional marriages, mbuk, nkonudok (knocking of the door) this is when the grooms family first goes to visit the brides family to make their intentions known in officially wanting to marry their daughter.

When using this leaves you use the fresh ones currently forming and sprouting (not the ones that has opened up entirely) the latter are more likely to give you itchiness when used to prepare the ekpang.

The leaf name here is called "Nkukwo" and the delicacy which it is used to prepare called "Ekpang Nkukwo" in ibibio dialect.

Am sure you must have learnt something new today😊