Leaf

Utazi

Gongronemopsis latifolia

A distinctive bitter leaf used to sharpen rich soups, sauces and garnishes.

Editorially reviewed

Gongronemopsis latifolia observation by Carel Jongkind / iNaturalist / CC BY-NC; identification pending

Ingredient record

Names & identity

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

Nigerian/common name	Utazi
Botanical name	Gongronemopsis latifolia
IgboSouth-eastern Nigeria	UtaziThe accepted botanical name is now Gongronemopsis latifolia; older sources often use Gongronema latifolium.
Also known as	Gongronema latifolium

What is Utazi?

Utazi is a bitter, aromatic leaf from Gongronemopsis latifolia, a climbing plant native across parts of tropical Africa. Older literature commonly places it under the botanical synonym Gongronema latifolium.

Flavour & identification

What does it taste like?

Bitter, herbal and slightly peppery

What does it look like?

The fresh leaves are green, simple and pointed. Market bunches can resemble other soup leaves, so aroma and a trusted seller are useful checks.

Using Utazi in Nigerian cooking

How is it used?

Slice finely and add in small quantities, often near the end of cooking.

Which dishes use it?

Pepper soup garnish
Nsala
Rich soups and sauces

How do you prepare it?

Rinse and slice thinly. Add sparingly, often late in cooking or as a fresh garnish where deliberate bitterness is wanted.

How much should you use?

Begin with a few thin slices per serving. Utazi is intentionally bitter and can dominate quickly.

Buying, storing & substituting

How to store it

Refrigerate fresh leaves and use promptly; keep dried leaves airtight.

Possible substitutes

There is no exact substitute. A different bitter green may add bitterness, but not utazi's aroma.

Supporting research

Ingredient research

Preclinical or nutritional evidence only

Research on Gongronema latifolium extracts is mainly laboratory or animal based. A 90-day rat study found dose- and sex-specific safety signals at high extract doses, reinforcing that concentrated preparations should not be equated with culinary leaves. Reliable human clinical evidence was not identified.

Research source 1 ↗

Not medical advice. Traditional use is not the same as clinical evidence. This ingredient is not presented as a treatment, cure or way to prevent disease.

How we assess ingredient research →

Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Nigerian Spices editorial desk, 27 August 2026.

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Related & compared

Commonly confused with

Uziza Leaf

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