{"title":"Grains, Seeds \u0026 Thickeners","description":"\u003cp\u003eShop essential African grains, seeds, and natural thickeners used in traditional Nigerian cooking, including egusi, ogbono, melon seeds, and other soup base ingredients.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"egusi","title":"Egusi","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Heart of West African Cuisine\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo kitchen is complete without \u003cstrong\u003eMama JP's Egusi\u003c\/strong\u003e — the prized melon seed that forms the soul of some of West Africa's most iconic and beloved dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvested from select melon plants and carefully processed to preserve their natural richness, our Egusi is packed with nutty flavour, creamy texture, and exceptional nutritional value. Whether you're preparing a classic \u003cem\u003eegusi soup\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eofe egusi\u003c\/em\u003e, or using it as a thickener in your favourite stew, this versatile seed delivers the authentic taste and consistency that makes every pot a masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich \u0026amp; Nutty Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e — Adds a deep, creamy taste that defines West African soups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally Nutritious\u003c\/strong\u003e — High in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile\u003c\/strong\u003e — Perfect for soups, stews, and as a thickening agent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% Natural\u003c\/strong\u003e — No additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Quality\u003c\/strong\u003e — Sourced and processed to bring you the true taste of home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMix with water to form a paste before adding to your pot, or fry directly in palm oil for a richer flavour. Pairs beautifully with leafy greens, crayfish, stockfish, and assorted meats. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom our kitchen to yours — the taste of home, every time.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama JP African Market","offers":[{"title":"Small \/ Ground","offer_id":53037669515580,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small \/ Whole seeds","offer_id":53037669548348,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Ground","offer_id":53037669581116,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Whole seeds","offer_id":53037669613884,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4135\/6860\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_May_19_2026_05_51_06_PM.png?v=1779205908"},{"product_id":"iru","title":"Iru","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Flavour Secret of Yoruba Cuisine\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlock the bold, complex taste of traditional West African cooking with \u003cstrong\u003eMama JP's Iru\u003c\/strong\u003e — a prized fermented locust bean condiment that has been the cornerstone of Yoruba and West African kitchens for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnown as \u003cem\u003elocust beans\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eAfrican fermented beans\u003c\/em\u003e, Iru is made by fermenting the seeds of the African locust bean tree (\u003cem\u003eParkia biglobosa\u003c\/em\u003e). The result is a deeply savoury, umami-rich ingredient with a pungent aroma that transforms soups, stews, and sauces into something truly extraordinary. A small amount adds layers of flavour that no seasoning cube can replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntensely Umami\u003c\/strong\u003e — Deep, savoury flavour that elevates every dish it touches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% Natural\u003c\/strong\u003e — Traditionally fermented with no artificial additives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutrient-Rich\u003c\/strong\u003e — A natural source of protein, lipids, and essential minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic\u003c\/strong\u003e — An irreplaceable ingredient in efo riro, egusi, gbegiri, and okra soup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile\u003c\/strong\u003e — Used across Yoruba, Igbo, and broader West African cuisines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd Iru directly to your pot while frying your base ingredients or during cooking. Its bold flavour intensifies with heat. Use sparingly at first and adjust to taste. Pairs beautifully with palm oil, leafy greens, peppers, and assorted meats. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSmall in size. Enormous in flavour. That's the power of Iru.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama JP African Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53038166540604,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4135\/6860\/files\/iru.jpg?v=1778093948"},{"product_id":"ofor-soup-thickener","title":"Ofor","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthentic West African Ofor Soup Thickener\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOfor is a traditional West African soup thickener derived from the dried and ground seeds of the \u003cem\u003eDetarium microcarpum\u003c\/em\u003e plant, widely used across Igbo and other Nigerian cuisines. Prized for its natural thickening power, Ofor delivers a smooth, rich consistency to soups and stews without altering their flavour profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural \u0026amp; Unprocessed\u003c\/strong\u003e – 100% pure, dried, and ground Ofor seeds with no additives or preservatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful Thickener\u003c\/strong\u003e – A small amount goes a long way, giving your soups a hearty, velvety texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e – Enhances the depth of traditional soups like Oha, Bitterleaf, and Egusi without overpowering them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile\u003c\/strong\u003e – Works beautifully in a wide range of West African soups and stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConvenient\u003c\/strong\u003e – Ready to use straight from the pack; simply add to your simmering pot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd a small quantity of Ofor directly to your boiling soup or stew and stir well. Allow to simmer for 5–10 minutes until the desired thickness is achieved. Adjust quantity to preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOha soup, Bitterleaf soup, Nsala (White soup), Egusi soup, and other traditional Nigerian and West African dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBring the taste of home to your kitchen — every pot, every time.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama JP African Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53070731673916,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4135\/6860\/files\/ChatGPTImageMay19_2026_03_38_02PM_6cf53eb2-422d-4d3b-9448-db2e7ce05693.png?v=1779204332"},{"product_id":"ogbono","title":"Ogbono","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Secret to That Perfect Draw Soup — Ogbono Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing quite like the satisfying, silky draw of a well-made \u003cstrong\u003eOgbono soup\u003c\/strong\u003e, and it all starts with the seed. \u003cstrong\u003eMama JP's Ogbono Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e — also known as \u003cem\u003ewild mango seeds\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eIrvingia gabonensis\u003c\/em\u003e — are a cornerstone of Nigerian and West African cooking, prized for their rich, nutty flavour and their remarkable natural thickening ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGround and added to soups, Ogbono creates that distinctive viscous, draw texture that makes every spoonful cling beautifully to your swallow. Whether you're cooking a classic Ogbono soup or combining it with Egusi for a richer pot, these seeds deliver the depth and body that make the dish truly special.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Draw \u0026amp; Thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e — Creates the signature silky, viscous texture of authentic Ogbono soup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich, Nutty Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e — Adds a deep, earthy warmth that elevates any soup it's added to\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% Natural\u003c\/strong\u003e — Pure, unprocessed wild mango seeds with no additives or preservatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutritious\u003c\/strong\u003e — A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre; traditionally valued for digestive health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile\u003c\/strong\u003e — Use alone or combine with Egusi, Oha, or Bitterleaf for a richer, more complex soup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrind the seeds into a fine powder before use. Heat palm oil in your pot, add the ground Ogbono off the heat and stir well to dissolve before returning to the flame. Add stock, protein, and vegetables of choice. Simmer until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Serve with eba, fufu, pounded yam, or any swallow of choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOgbono soup, Ogbono-Egusi combination soup, and any West African draw soup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe draw that brings everyone to the table — start with great Ogbono.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama JP African Market","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":53070857535804,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":53070857568572,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":53070857601340,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4135\/6860\/files\/ChatGPTImageMay19_2026_07_24_17PM.png?v=1779211660"}],"url":"https:\/\/mamajpafricanmarket.co.za\/collections\/grains-seeds-thickeners.oembed","provider":"Mama JP African Market","version":"1.0","type":"link"}