Soup Thickener

Ukpo

Mucuna sloanei

A processed Nigerian soup thickener commonly identified in food-science studies as Mucuna sloanei seed flour.

Editorially reviewed
Editorial research card for Ukpo; no verified ingredient photograph is assigned
NigerianSpices.com editorial research card

Ingredient record

Names & identity

Names can vary by language, market and region. Only reviewed names are displayed here.

Nigerian/common nameUkpo
Botanical nameMucuna sloanei

What is Ukpo?

Ukpo is a food-grade processed seed flour used to give body to soups. It is not a raw-seed eating recommendation and it should remain distinct from achi and ofor.

Flavour & identification

What does it look like?

Usually sold ground; colour and fineness vary with processing.

Using Ukpo in Nigerian cooking

How do you prepare it?

Use a correctly prepared culinary product. Disperse or add gradually while stirring, then wait for hydration before increasing the amount.

Sources & further reading

  1. powo.science.kew.org
  2. journalafsj.com
  3. journals.ipsintelligentsia.com

Reviewed by Nigerian Spices editorial desk, 15 September 2026.

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Related & compared

Commonly confused with

Achi Ofor

Understand the ingredient

Guides featuring Ukpo

GuideNigerian Soup Thickeners: Achi, Ofor, Ukpo and Other Traditional Ingredients

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Related Nigerian ingredients

Achi seeds being processed in Lagwa, Imo State

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Achi

A seed-derived Nigerian soup thickener commonly identified in food-science studies as Brachystegia eurycoma.

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Editorial research card for Ofor; no verified ingredient photograph is assigned

Soup Thickener

Ofor

A Nigerian soup-thickening flour often identified in food studies as seed from Detarium microcarpum.

Explore Ofor

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