
PREKESE: THE VERSATILE USE OF GHANAIAN INDIGENOUS CROP
Amidst the global pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), the exploration of indigenous foods have become imperative. Evident from the theme of this year’s International Plant Health Day, which aims at raising awareness on the need of increasing agricultural productivity and encouraging safe trade, let me introduce you to one of Ghana’s most popular indigenous crops, “Prekese”.
Photo Credit: adobestuck
Prekese is a plant abundantly found in West Africa which offers a multifaceted solution to food security challenges, safe trade and serves as a spice which enriches the Ghanaian culinary meals. It also boasts medicinal properties and serves as a potent dietary supplement that is rich in essential vitamins.
Understanding the roots of Prekese.
Before we delve into the medicinal and nutritional benefits of Prekese, let me start with certain facts that will help you appreciate the roots of this plant. The term “Prekese” which translate to “soup perfume” originates from the Twi language in the Akan tribe of Ghana. It reflects its aromatic qualities and it is regarded by the Akan Tribe as a spiritual protector against evil.
For centuries Prekese was utilized locally in several ways till it became popular in the 1940s. This Native plant has yielded since the ancient time and is known to grow on trees found in the rain forests, woodland s particularly in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Photo Credit: toptropicals.com
According to the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), “Prekese” (Tetrapleura tetraptera) has been identified as a potent natural remedy against harmful fungi such as Aspergillus flavus known as Aspergillus ear rot and Fusarium moniliforme. These fungi poses a significant threat to agricultural production and food security, particularly in Ghana, by attacking cereal grains, legumes, and nuts both before and after harvest. The research also suggests Prekese’s potential as a natural and safer alternative to synthetic pesticides.
The Medicinal Impact of Prekese
Prekese holds a sacred place in herbal medicinal practices across the region, where it is hailed for its potent healing properties. Herbal doctors, often referred to as traditional healers, harness the therapeutic potential of prekese to address a wide range of ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory conditions.
In a conversation with Dr. (MH) Clement Mawutor Dotse, he asserted the notion that Prekese truly has healing properties. However, he clarified that the Prekese plant is sometimes not used in isolation, in order to have a synergistic effect.
Dr. (MH) Clement Mawutor Dotse asserts the notion that Prekese truly has healing properties.
“The practice of herbalism has evolved so there’s barely the use of a medicinal plant or plant part in modern dispensation by the professionals. In recent times, high preference is given to finished or refined/processed herbal medicines which are mostly manufactured by combining several medicinal plants and/or their parts with similar phytochemical properties, in order to make these medicines more effective as compared to the use of medicinal plants or their parts in isolation for therapeutic purposes. Medical Herbalists usually prescribe medicines that are proven to be safe and effective, and mostly these are readily available as finished herbal medicinal products, however there are instances when the herb, plant or plant part alone is used for its medicinal purpose.”
Photo Credits: Post
He did not hold back in stating the various illnesses, prekese has the ability to treat. “There have been several anecdotal evidences about this indigenous crop. I have heard and seen a lot of people, especially women use it as a decoction to fight against infections. The plant has several ethno medical uses and is claimed to be therapeutically useful in the management of convulsion, leprosy, rheumatic pains, asthma and many others. A decoction of the bark is used for menstrual pains, arthritis and chest infections. The intense odour so produced when prekese is roasted is also claimed to have insect- and snake-repellent properties. Further research lent and lent somewhat pharmacological credence to the plant’s folkloric usage as it confirms the use of the prekese to be efficacious when used for anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties”.
Prekese: The culinary perspective.
It is worth noting that this use of prekese as a medicinal property only limits its potential. As stated earlier, Prekese adds a burst of flavour to culinary creations by enhancing soups, stews, and sauces with its distinct aroma and taste. To explore the culinary side of prekese, I had the privilege of engaging in an enlightening conversation with two esteemed chefs in Ghana. These food enthusiasts are on a mission to showcase Ghanaian indigenous food and crops to the world by infusing their dishes with authenticity and innovation.
Born in Zuarungu, in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Chef Abiro is a culinary luminary deeply rooted in Northern Ghanaian cuisine and culture. Ingredients like “Prekese” are spices he incorporates in his recipes.
“As a chef, when you have to work with ingredients, you tend to consider the texture, smell, and taste. In the Ghanaian setting we know prekese as a savoury ingredient but when you look at it from the culinary perspective, it has the capacity to enhance the taste of a meal. You can put Prekese in your porridge, your smoothie or ice cream. Once you know the properties of the ingredient, you can count so many things you can use it for” He emphasized.
Also seated to my left was Chef Kwame Fiafoli. He specialises in neglected and soon to be forgotten ingredients. During our encounter he shared his thoughts on the ways by which he could elevate the indigenous Ghanaian crop above what we already know.
“With Prekese, there is so much more than to just drop it into a bowl of soup. Looking at the flavour profile it gives, you have a lot to play with.” He continued “I have tried Prekese in many forms, I have had it in drinks and desert. It is really about what you can do with the ingredient, an invitation to have fun. I have made a syrup from prekese that has been paired with red beans, a dish that could potentially replace baked beans.”
Now, I would not sit with two chefs and not ask them to demonstrate and share with us some recipes. Thankfully, both were happy to share some recipes, where they utilized prekese.
Making Ice Cream with Prekese
“The initial step is to learn the proper technique for scooping out the required portion of Prekese. Now, Prekese has four edges. Two of these edges are soft while two are hard edges. The soft edges are actually the parts that contain the prekese itself. The hard parts is just the makeup of prekese. The easiest way to utilize prekese to its full potential is to cut the soft parts and use a spoon to scoop it out.” Chef Kwame Demonstrates.
Chef Abiro Added, “Let me tell you how I used prekese was to make an ice-cream. I made the ice cream’s base from baobab and then I scooped the prekese, blended and incorporated it into the ice-cream. Finally, I took part of it, blended it with honey and used it to glaze the ice-cream.”
Chef Kwame chimed in, “I have made bitters (beer that is strongly flavored) with prekese. Prekese becomes even more fragrant when it is paired with other ingredients like cloves and grains of Selim. The harshness of the spirit from the bitters had to cut through the fat of the ice-cream. It is really about balancing flavors. Prekese is that kind of ingredient that pushes one to question ways they can be used. I often describe it as a blend of caramel and vanilla flavors. By framing it this way, it opens up possibilities for exploring its use in various other contexts.”
Making Jollof Rice with Prekese
“Let me also tell you how you can utilize Prekese to prepare one of Ghana’s most cherished meals, Jollof Rice. Now, when it comes to preparing Jollof, we have two parts. Making the tomato sauce and preparing the rice. After making the sauce, you can use the scooped prekese and drop it into the sauce. Then, add your rice. When the food is readily cooked, you have your “Prekese Jollof.” Chef Abiro Described.
The Nutritional Impact of Prekese
To understand the nutritional properties of Prekese, I interacted with Seyram Yawa, a Chemist, Researcher, and Intern Dietitian at Nsawam Government Hospital. She emphasized the nutritional properties and benefits of Prekese. “Prekese is known to contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium,” she explained.
“These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting the immune system, aiding in wound healing, and maintaining bone health. However, it’s important to use Prekese in moderation, as excessive consumption of any substance can have some effects on one’s health.”
Seyram further elaborated on the various forms in which Prekese is available, such as syrup or powder, both of which are commonly used in the preparation of stews or soups.
“Prekese fruit possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic properties, which can help regulate blood sugar levels,” Seyram continued.
“For individuals with diabetes, controlling blood sugar is paramount, and Prekese can serve as an alternative sweetener to reduce sugar intake. I know that some people use them as sweeteners (something used in place of sugar) in their porridge and other beverages so they do not taste bland. Ultimately, the ability of prekese to lower glucose levels makes it beneficial for diabetic individuals.”
The Impact of Prekese on culinary business
It is inspiring to see how chefs like Kwame and Abiro are using indigenous ingredients like Prekese to not only create delicious dishes but also to showcase the richness of Ghanaian cuisine to the world. The goal, they say, is to encourage local businesses and help create a better food system. What better way to do that, than to empower the people at the local level.
For Chef Kwame, he noted the appreciation he gets from his clients when he serves at special dinners and events.
“When it comes to request for special dinners, I have had the privilege of being recommended. This is because I have the interest in under-utilised spices and ingredients. Clients have shown appreciation with the kind of work I do so this means that I am doing something right.” Explained Chef Kwame.
Chef Abiro, on the other hand has had the opportunity to travel beyond Ghana to promote our indigenous food and ingredients.
“Through the promotion of indigenous food and ingredients like Prekese, I have had the opportunity go to Italy and give a talk about the Ghanaian indigenous food. The world knows nothing about these ingredients because we look down on them. But these are the ingredients that can take us far because of their indigeneity to us. Once the world know their potential they would want to know more” explained Chef Abiro.
“I have also been privileged to make a menu plan for a diabetic patient which included Prekese as the main ingredients. The person travelled abroad and they testified to the impact of the menu plan, stating that it has improved their health massively. It was incredible to know that the meals that included more of Prekese were effective and this is someone who lives abroad.” He concluded
Conclusion
The efforts of Chef Abiro and Chef Kwame not only highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous ingredients but also demonstrate the potential for these ingredients to gain recognition on a global scale.
Prekese stands as a shining example of the potent healing found in nature. Embraced by herbal doctors for generations and celebrated for its remarkable health benefits, this humble spice continues to leave a lasting impression on those who seek wellness through the wisdom of traditional medicine. As we embark on our journey of discovery, let us honour the legacy of prekese and its role in promoting health, harmony, and healing for generations to come.
Leave a Reply