The Nigerian Spice Index A–Z

Seasoning Blend

Seasoning blend

Banga Spice

Aromatic • Savoury · Mild heat

A family of aromatic spice blends associated with palm-fruit soups and stews.

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Aromatic

Country Onion

Aromatic • Savoury

Country onion in Nigeria is an aromatic seasoning associated with Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. See its forms, flavour, uses and identity caveats.

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Seafood Seasoning

Crayfish

Savoury

Dried crayfish used whole or ground to add concentrated seafood savouriness to soups, stews and sauces.

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Fermented seasoning

Dawadawa

Fermented • Savoury

A fermented savoury seasoning name used in West African foodways; product identity and naming can vary by place.

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Other Culinary Flavouring

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Garlic

Pungent • Savoury

A pungent allium used widely in Nigerian marinades, stews, rice dishes and seasoning blends.

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Other Culinary Flavouring

Groundnut

Nutty • Savoury

Groundnuts used as a culinary nut and as a base or component in Nigerian seasonings and dishes.

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Fermented seasoning

Iru

Fermented locust beans

Fermented • Savoury

Fermented locust beans that contribute a powerful savoury aroma and depth to many dishes.

Also known as: Iru

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Fermented seasoning

Ogiri

Fermented • Savoury

Ogiri is a fermented Nigerian seasoning category, not one fixed ingredient. Compare its forms, aroma, uses and differences from iru.

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Other Culinary Flavouring

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Onion

Pungent • Savoury

A foundational allium used for sweetness, aroma and savoury depth across Nigerian cooking.

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Sage

Herbal • Savoury

A strongly savoury aromatic herb used sparingly in selected meat, stuffing and sauce preparations.

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Other Culinary Flavouring

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Spring Onion

Fresh • Savoury

A fresh allium used for mild onion flavour, colour and finishing freshness.

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Seasoning Blend

Seasoning blend

Suya Spice

Nutty • Peppery • Savoury · Hot heat

A savoury, peppery seasoning blend associated with Nigerian suya.

Also known as: Yaji

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Thyme

Herbal • Savoury

A savoury aromatic herb widely used in Nigerian rice, stews, meat dishes and seasoning blends.

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