African locust bean
African Locust Bean
The African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa), also known as the Néré or Dawadawa tree, is a perennial deciduous tree of the family Fabaceae. It is found throughout tropical Africa and is primarily known for its fermented seeds, which are commonly used as a flavoring agent in African cuisine.
Pronunciation
African Locust Bean: /ˈæfrɪkən ˈloʊkəst biːn/
Etymology
The term "African Locust Bean" is a direct reference to the tree's native region (Africa) and its resemblance to the locust tree. The specific name biglobosa is derived from the Latin words 'bis', meaning 'twice', and 'globosus', meaning 'spherical', referring to the shape of the tree's fruits.
Related Terms
- Fermentation (food): The process by which the seeds of the African Locust Bean are prepared for use in cooking.
- Fabaceae: The plant family to which the African Locust Bean belongs.
- Parkia: The genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, which includes the African Locust Bean.
Usage
The seeds of the African Locust Bean tree are fermented and used as a flavoring in soups and stews, much like a bouillon cube. The pulp of the fruit is also edible and is often eaten fresh or used to make a sweet drink. The tree's wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.
Health Benefits
The African Locust Bean is known to have several health benefits. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are essential for human nutrition. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Cultivation
The African Locust Bean tree is typically grown from seeds, which are planted during the rainy season. The tree prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on African locust bean
- Wikipedia's article - African locust bean
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski