{"product_id":"okpei-fermented-locust-beans","title":"Okpei (Fermented Locust Beans)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Umami Secret of West African Cooking — Okpei\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBehind the deep, complex flavour of many beloved Nigerian soups and stews lies a humble but powerful ingredient: \u003cstrong\u003eOkpei\u003c\/strong\u003e. Also known as \u003cem\u003eDawadawa\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eIru\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003efermented locust beans\u003c\/em\u003e, Okpei is a traditional West African seasoning made from fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree (\u003cem\u003eParkia biglobosa\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePungent, earthy, and intensely savoury, Okpei is the West African equivalent of miso or fish sauce — a natural flavour enhancer that adds an unmistakable depth and umami richness to any dish it touches. A small amount goes a remarkably long way, making it one of the most powerful seasonings in the African pantry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntense Umami Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e — Adds deep, savoury complexity that transforms soups, stews, and sauces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% Natural Seasoning\u003c\/strong\u003e — A traditional, fermented condiment with no artificial additives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutritious\u003c\/strong\u003e — Rich in protein, healthy fats, and beneficial probiotics from the fermentation process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Little Goes a Long Way\u003c\/strong\u003e — Highly concentrated flavour; use sparingly for best results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic West African Taste\u003c\/strong\u003e — An irreplaceable ingredient in traditional Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa cuisines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrumble or grind a small amount of Okpei and add directly to your soup, stew, or sauce during cooking. It dissolves into the pot and releases its full flavour as it simmers. Use in Ofe Onugbu (Bitterleaf soup), Egusi soup, Ogbono soup, pepper soup, and traditional stews. Start with a small quantity and adjust to taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBitterleaf soup, Egusi soup, Ogbono soup, Oha soup, pepper soup, palm nut soup, and traditional West African stews and sauces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSmall in size, enormous in flavour — Okpei, the soul of the pot.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mama JP African Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53070926348604,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4135\/6860\/files\/ChatGPTImageMay19_2026_08_09_01PM.png?v=1779214191","url":"https:\/\/mamajpafricanmarket.co.za\/products\/okpei-fermented-locust-beans","provider":"Mama JP African Market","version":"1.0","type":"link"}