A structured Nigerian flavour reference

The Nigerian Spice Index A–Z

Explore 76 ingredients and seasonings

The Nigerian Spice Index documents the spices, herbs, peppers, leaves, fermented seasonings, flavouring ingredients and blends used across Nigerian cooking.

Traditional Nigerian & West African International ingredients Nigerian seasoning blends

76 ingredient records

Alphabetical by default

Aromatic Leaf

Uziza Leaf

Piper guineense leaf

Herbal • Peppery · Medium heat

Uziza leaf is Piper guineense leaf, a peppery West African soup leaf. Learn its English name, flavour, appearance, uses and substitutes.

Also known as: Uziza

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A labelled Piper guineense plant; the seed is documented separately in the field note

Seed spice

Uziza Seed

West African pepper

Earthy • Peppery · Medium heat

A peppery seed spice used in soups and seasoning blends.

Also known as: Uziza, Iyere

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Vanilla

Aromatic • Sweet

An aromatic flavouring from cured vanilla pods, used in drinks, desserts and baking.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

White Pepper

Earthy • Peppery

A pepper spice used for focused heat and a distinctive fermented-earthy aroma.

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New to Nigerian ingredients? The editorial guide explains peppers, leaves, fermented seasonings and traditional blends.

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