PONMO: Nutritional Benefits, Types and Uses.

Ponmo is the Yoruba name for cow skin, also known as kanda in Igbo, awo in Hausa, and kpomo in some other Nigerian languages. It is cow skin that is usually sold in markets after being processed by roasting, boiling, or smoking. Ponmo is a cheap and widely available source of animal protein. It is also a delicacy that is enjoyed by many Nigerians for its chewy and unique taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Ponmo

Think you know ponmo? There are really some shocking truths you need to know. Ponmo is not a very nutritious food, as it contains mostly collagen and water, and very little fat, protein, vitamins, or minerals. However, it does have some health benefits, such as:

1. It is low in calories and cholesterol, which makes it suitable for people who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy heart.
2. It is rich in collagen, which is good for the skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones.
3. It is easy to digest and does not cause allergies or intolerance, unlike some other types of meat.

Ponmo should not be eaten as a substitute for meat, as it does not provide all the essential amino acids that the body needs. It should rather be eaten as a supplement or an additive to other dishes.

Types of Ponmo

Ponmo comes in different types, depending on the color, size, and processing method. Some of the common types of ponmo are:

White Ponmo

White ponmo is the most common and popular type of ponmo, as it has a natural white or light-coloured appearance. It is usually soft and easy to cook, and it has a mild flavor.

HEALTHY NIGERIAN SWALLOW TO TRY OUT  (PART 3) – Iyaloja Direct: PONMO: Nutritional Benefits, Types and Uses.

Brown Ponmo

Brown ponmo is the type of ponmo that has a brown or dark-coloured appearance, due to the roasting or smoking process. It is usually harder and tougher than white ponmo, and it has a smoky flavor.

How to Cook Ponmo

Ponmo can be cooked in various ways, depending on the preference and the recipe. Some of the common methods of cooking ponmo are:

1. Boiling

This is the simplest and most common way of cooking ponmo. It involves washing the ponmo thoroughly, cutting it into pieces, and boiling it in water with salt and spices until it is soft and tender. Boiled ponmo can be eaten as a snack, or added to other dishes, such as egusi soup, vegetable soup, gbegiri soup, bitter leaf soup, and many more.

2. Frying

This is another popular way of cooking ponmo. It involves boiling the ponmo first, then frying it in oil until it is crispy and golden. Fried ponmo can be eaten as a snack, or served with sauce, pepper, onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.

3. Stewing

This is a way of cooking ponmo that involves simmering it in a sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, spices, and other ingredients. Stewed ponmo can be eaten with rice, yam, plantain, or bread.

4. Grilling

This is a way of cooking ponmo that involves roasting it over an open fire or a grill. Grilled ponmo can be eaten as a snack, or served with sauce, pepper, onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.

Precautions When Buying Ponmo

If you are looking for fresh ponmo, you can find it majorly in markets. However, you need to be careful when buying ponmo, as some  dishonest sellers may sell you ponmo that has been processed with harmful substances, such as tyres, plastics, or used engine oil. These substances can cause serious health problems, such as cancer, liver damage, kidney failure, or even death.

To avoid buying poisonous ponmo, you should look for the following signs:

• Fresh ponmo should have a natural brown colour, not black or dark.
• Fresh ponmo should have a smooth and shiny surface, not rough or dull.
• Fresh ponmo should have a pleasant and mild smell, not foul smell.
• Fresh ponmo should have a firm and elastic texture, not soft or slippery.

You should also wash and cook the ponmo thoroughly before eating it, to remove any dirt or contaminants.

CONCLUSION

If you are in Lagos and want to get fresh ponmo and other foodstuffs for your next cooking, Iyaloja Direct got you.  

We help you save money up to 40% on your food budget because we are buying for many people at the same time from Mike 12, Oyingbo and Ketu market wholesale prices and deliver to your doorstep anywhere in Lagos.

Contact us today to shop your fresh and quality foodstuff and other household essentials needs.

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