Ask my siblings what my best food is,and they’ll readily tell you it’s Garri. And why not? If Garri was a babe, then she would be the standard definition of a bad bitch!
She doesn’t need anyone or anything to survive. She is self-sufficient and whatever you add to her, is just that; an addition.
Garri walks into a room and everybody wants her. She is there when you need a quickie, and when you need deep satisfaction, she provides it. Literally the only food you want slapping you!
Garri is a chameleon; she can be just garri today, and come tomorrow, she is eba. The rich want her and the broke cannot get enough of her, literally.
She can be coupled with literally anything. Groundnut, moi moi, akara, peanut, you name it. She is the trophy! And when she puts on her alter ego eba, she compliments every soup and does it gracefully. Some even go ahead and make garri cookies.
The best thing about her is that she’s readily available. With all of her nice assets, she should be proud, shouldn’t she? But no, you will find her whenever you need her. Even more so, she is not a classist. Garri does care if you are broke or a baller. She is such a come-through babe.
I have to admit that sometimes she swells and becomes too much to handle, but this is when you have to show that you can take all she has to give.
Garri is THAT babe and she knows it.
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Origin of Garri
Garri is pronounced gah-ree. Also known as Granulated cassava or cassava flakes, it is prepared from granulated cassava, a root vegetable that is deadly unless peeled and cooked.
Originally from South America, Portuguese invaders brought it to West Africa in the 16th century. When previously enslaved individuals started to return to Nigeria from Portugal in the 19th century, they brought with them technology for processing cassava.
Today, this food is consumed in households across the nation and has been referred to by many as a lifeline during hard times. Why? It is frequently inexpensive, high in fibre, and contains significant trace minerals.
How to produce Garri
To produce it, you need to clean, peel, and submerge the cassava roots in water for several hours. After the soaking, the roots are dried and grated; whereas previously they were done by hand, machines can now used to do this.
The root shavings are placed in thin sacks and exposed to intense pressure for three to seven days, or until all of the moisture and starch have evaporated and the shavings have begun to ferment. After this, the root shaving is sieved, spread out on a sheet in the sun and allowed to dry.
Following that, the dried cassava shavings are either dry roasted or fried in a fryer with or without a small amount of palm oil. Palm oil gives it taste and color.
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Yellow Garri versus White Garri
There are two varieties of garri: yellow and white, both of which are frequently found in West Africa. The length of the fermentation process and the presence of palm oil affect the flavor and color.
Some would argue that yellow is better than white.
Both, however, can be turned into eba and eaten with soups, or used as cereal. One fast method for sating hunger and settling the stomach is to drink garri.
The Igbos are known to produce and prefer the yellow one, while most people from the north and southwest of Nigeria would rather have the white.
How to eat Garri
You can eat garri anyhow you like. Some people eat it raw, while others soak it in very cold water and support it with groundnut, moi moi, akara, peanut or any protein of choice.
Some prefer to add hot water and turn it into eba. This way they can garnish it with different soups. The best soups to eat it with are ewedu and okra soups. Why? Because garri should be eaten with soups that draw, so it will glide easily down the esophagus.
Benefits of eating Garri
Apart from the fact that Garri satisfies your hunger, there are other benefits to eating this wonderful cereal.
It aids digestion
Garri is a fibrous food, and foods high in fibre aid digestion. This facilitates quicker and easier bowel motions.
In addition, cassava has a lot of resistant starch with qualities akin to soluble fiber. The healthy bacteria in your gut enjoy this resistant starch, which helps to maintain digestive health.
Hence, garri is a great way to promote healthy digestion and avoid constipation. Soaking it in water is preferable to eating the granules dry if you want to avoid constipation.
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It boosts the immune system
Garri has a lot of vitamin C. About 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is present in 100 grams of cooked cassava. By assisting numerous cellular processes in the body, vitamin C supports immunological health.
Eba thus increases immunity, which is one of its health advantages.
Improves eyesight
I know this is shocking. Contrary to the lies that have been peddled against this poor, poor baby, it does not cause eye issues or blindness.
In reality, garri has a good amount of vitamin A, which is essential for the retina to work correctly. Oh, you’re asking where the retina is? Behind your elbow.
Studies have revealed that vitamin A is essential for avoiding myopia or shortsightedness in young adolescents. Additionally, a lot of garri products are enhanced with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, which benefits eye health.
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Prevents cancer
This one shock me too. Garri also aids in the prevention of serious illnesses like cancer.
The B17 found in cassava leaves aids in boosting the production of red blood cells, whose depletion frequently results in cancer.
Great for weight loss
If you are weight-watching, then garri is your babe. With low calories, you can take it at any time. The high fibre it contains will help you stay full for a long period.
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Dangers of Excessive Garri
Even though I would like to say Garri can do no wrong, I have to admit that too much of everything is not good.
With all the great benefits Garri has, it comes with side effects too:
- Garri is a cassava-based food that contains cyanide, which, when consumed in large doses, can cause mild to severe eye problems. It can also irritate the intestines and create or aggravate an ulcer because of its acidic nature.
- It can cause weight gain because carbohydrates are the most prevalent nutrient in cassava. When broken down into glucose and glycogen, it can make you gain weight.
Where can you find the best Garri?
Ijebu! Yes, I said it. Come and beat me in my house.
There really is no need to argue about this. The home base of garri with vim is definitely Ijebu.
Ijebu garri slaps in all the right places. It is perfect for eba, perfect to take as a cereal and you can throw it in your mouth occasionally just to snack on.
Just to clear the air and do some PR for my girl garri, contrary to popular opinion, garri is not a broke man’s food. I know the rich also cry, but I can bet you they laugh when they drink garri.
