Uyayak

Uyayak is also known as Aidan pods. This African spice is used for medicinal purpose and also in cooking.

Abak Atama, Afia Efere, Peppersoup, Iwuk Efere, Efere Ibaba are some of the dishes that Uyayak is used in .

A small pieces of the fleshy side of the pod goes a long way in adding the sweet aroma to the dish.

Sometimes to heighten the aroma of the pods you can burn the flesh  slightly before use particularly in Afia Efere .

 When the pods are kept on kitchen shelves will easily get infested with some worms , so storing in the fridge or freezer is your best bet.

To find these spice in the Nigerian market you ask those selling Peppersoup spices. In some places the traders selling herbal medicines will always have it.

You can make simple pepper sauce dip  for yam with this spice by blending or pounding it with crayfish , pepper and adding palm oil and salt. T

Uyayak is seasonal  and is more abound ant in the rainy season.