Home Taste Utazi Leaves (25g)

Utazi is a climbing shrub with broad, heart-shaped leaves that has a characteristic sharp, bitter and slightly sweet taste, especially when eaten fresh.

Utazi belongs to the family of plants known as Asclepiadaceae and it is widespread in tropical rainforest of West African countries, such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Senegal.  Research has shown it to have many health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. The fresh leaves or the stem can be chewed or the sap extracted with water or palm wine. The whole plant can equally be infused with boiling water (as tea) or by boiling (decoction). In Nigeria, the leaves of this herb are used commonly for nutritional purposes, including as a spice and vegetable to garnish some special local delicacies, such as Isiewu, nkwobi, abacha/ugba (African salad) ofe nsala (white soup), unripe plantain porridge, etc because of its sharp-bitter and sweet taste.