Post by Trade facilitator on Dec 10, 2018 18:21:17 GMT 1
Locust beans is an aromatic condiment for seasoning assorted African soups. Its botanical name is Parkia Biglosa. It is called Iru in Yoruba. It is organic.
Nutritionists say it is high in protein, lipid and carbohydrate.
It also contains antioxidant for detoxifying the body and helps to boost the immune system.
Benefits of Locusts beans
Locust beans has so many nutritional values:
- It can be used as seasoning for food or used as a spice which gives a meal a pleasant and inviting flavor.
- Helps to control or cure diabetics.
- It is good for the eyes.
- It is also a good source of
calcium, fat, vitamin C, vitamin B2, dietary fibre and phosphorus.
Locust beans production
The production of locust beans is rated high in Nigeria, so its demand can be met at the international market.
It is readily available.
The local production of locust beans involves the use of washing the seeds
obtained from the pod; drying the seeds under the sun, boiling the seeds,
dehulling, fermenting at 37°C and turning the fermented seeds into mashed bean after three days to produce fresh (iru pete) usually wrapped in leaves or dried locust bean (iru woro).
It can be further dried and neatly packaged to prepare the product for export.
Exporting the product
There is a ready market for locust bean even outside the shores of this country.
This business can increase foreign exchange and create employment opportunity.
The supply of the product is driven by the demand for it in the international market
Many foreign countries especially the USA and UK have a sizeable population of Nigerians and black people living there. Hence, the rising demand for African local food.
To export the product, it should meet the required specifications on how it is packaged and labelled. This is to ensure the product is not rejected by the authorities and loss is not incurred.
Looking for a viable business that will enrich you and serve as a source of income? The export of locusts bean is a smart option.
You can source your first set of customers from your family and friends in the diaspora, then gradually move on to other people or get referrals from your customers.
Just like some other export products we discussed earlier, the startup capital needed for the business is low. You can start with less than a N100,000.
