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5 Reasons why you need to use leaves to prepare Moin Moin plus how to wrap the leaves with pictures

The leaf used in preparing Moi Moi is known as Thaumatococcus Daniellii. The igbos call the leaves Uma leaves, while the Yorubas call it Ewe Eran. Other tribes in Nigeria have their own specific name for this very useful leaf. The moi moi steamed in leaves is generally referred to as Moi moi Elewe.

Growing up I remember vividly we had banana planted in our compound and that my mum used to pluck the banana leaves to prepare moi moi. Since I became an adult, I haven’t tried to use banana leaves because of the availability of Thaumatococcus Daniellii and besides it’s not easy to use when compared with the latter.LOL.

Here are the advantages of using leaves to prepare moi moi:

1.   The aroma and flavor of the leaves is next to none. I can tell you anywhere and anytime that the flavour and aroma that the leaves infuse into moi moi is very nice and unique. You cannot get that using another medium…one reason why you should consider the use of these fantastic leaves.

2.   The taste you get is also next to none. Moi moi steamed in leaves usually come out more delicious than their counterparts no doubt.

3.   It is very healthy. Different research had earlier gone into the other alternatives to leaves namely nylon, tins, cans, plastics etc It happened that the alternatives are not as healthy and can be carcinogenic. The leaves on the other hand were proven to be very healthy to use and beneficial in diverse ways such as helping in the management of diabetes, helps make the kidney and liver function well and etc. The leaves are harmless, organic and of course natural with high medicinal value.

4.   Moi moi steamed in leaves cook pretty fast. While eating healthy, you eventually save some money on the long run.

5.   Easy to use. I know a lot of people don’t know that it is very easy to use the leaves…see picture guides below. Just try to follow my hand movements.

You can also use the leaves to wrap other cooked food like Ofada Rice, agidi (Eko), Swallow such as pounded yam, semovita, Amala etc. From my experience as a food blogger and food vendor, I discovered that when you wrap pounded yam in leaves it doesn’t get spoilt fast. That’s one of the wonders of using Leaves.

Amdst all the benefits of using leaves, caution has to be taken when using these leaves. Remember that the leaves were plucked and transported to it’s various destinations. In the course of moving them from one place to the other, it can come in contact with germs and bacteria. As a result, do well to wash with salt solution and Pat dry before use.

In addition, you can also store the leaves inside the deep freezer for later use. 

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