GARRI A LIFE SAVER
Before we talk about how garri is a lifesaver let’s know what it is exactly.
WHAT IS GARRI?
Garri is a processed granulated flour gotten from freshly harvested cassava tubers. It is a very popular food product found across West Africa. It is the cheapest and staple food that is consumed across different tribes and cultures in the region. Garri is also known as cassava flakes.
TYPES OF GARRI
We have White garri and Yellow garri.
In the white garri, there is no addition of oil in the production process.
But, the yellow garri, oil is added (palm oil) The oil can be mixed with the grind cassava paste before being sent to the pressing machine, Or when frying
PRODUCTION OF GARRI
In the production process of garri, fermentation is a part of the process.
The reason for this is that cassava contains a high level of Cyanide which is not so healthy for consumption.
First, is the harvesting of the cassava tubers.
After harvesting, it is peeled, washed, and grind.
For large-scale production, the cassava tubers are taken to the mill to carry out these processes.
After grinding, the cassava paste is poured into a porous bag and sent to the pressing machine, which helps in extracting the excess water from the cassava paste.
It can be left in the mill for a day to 3 days depending on how fermented you want it to come out. Some people do leave it for days. I would say this is on individual bases.
Just before it is taken out of the mill, be sure that the water has properly been drained and it’s dry. (to avoid the flour getting stuck to your fryer or pan)
The dried flour is then sieved to get the chaffs out to get a smooth fine flour.
When all is sieved, you commence frying. Using a big frying pan and a spatula to enhance even stirring of the flour, stir till it becomes dry and crunchy. Take out and take another turn till it’s finished.
PRESERVATION
You can then store it in a sack bag, or a container, and a properly fried garri can last more than 6 months.
WHAT DOES GARRI TASTE LIKE?
Well, a just finished fried garri taste a bit sour and crispy. Though it has some moles of grains in it it isn’t as smooth as baking flour.
GARRI A LIFE SAVER
How Is Garri Consumed?
Garri can be served in different ways and styles and I’ll tell you just two popular ways.
Garri can be eaten as cereal. Yes, just as you serve your cereal.
You may need.
- Cold water(optional)
- Sugar or honey
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Dried fruits.
- Garri flakes
- Turn the items in a bowl stir and enjoy your bowl of delicious goodness.
Garri can also be served as ‘eba’ and eaten with a variety of soups.
Heat your water till it’s at the boiling point.
Turn it into a bowl, and add a few cups of garri till it reaches the water level in the bowl. Using a spatula mix up till you have a smooth fine dough.
There you have it!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARRI
Garri contains high vitamin values ranging from vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, fibers, folates, etc.
Pregnant women need lots of folates a cup of garri contains 15 percent of your daily folate requirements and 47 percent of the daily calcium requirement.
Enhances loss of weight
Keeps calories in check
Improves eye sights
And also a source of glucose
Helps control diarrhea.
Garri is important in our lives as West Africans.
Leave a comment, and let’s know what you think about this Lifesaver.
