Iru is a type of fermented and or processed locust beans commonly used as a cooking condiment in Nigeria and other parts of West African.  It is a very popular condiment and is referred to as “Iru” by the Yoruba and Edo people of Nigeria; “dawa dawa” by the Hausa people of Nigeria; “ogiri okpe” by the Igbo of Nigeria.  It is also known as “sumbala” by the Manding speaking people of West Africa as well as “netetou” and “kainda” in other parts of Africa.

Iru (dawa dawa) is used to flavours stews, sauces and other dishes like rice, native salads etc. It was one of the main condiments used in West Africa before bouillon cubes, and it is still a good alternative to bouillon cubes because of its nutritional and health benefits.

It has a pungent aroma which is not particularly attractive, but in a sauce or stew, the unmistakable umami flavour enhances the taste so much. A small amount of fermented locust beans in ila alasepo, ewedu, egusi soup, okro, efo riro, obe ata dindin, and ogbono soups lifts the taste in a delightful way.