Ogaoga Bitter Leaves 500g

Description

Ogaoga Bitter Leaves are an essential leafy vegetable in Nigerian and Igbo cooking — most famously the defining ingredient in ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup), where thoroughly washed and squeezed leaves are simmered with assorted meat, crayfish, cocoyam thickener, and palm oil into one of southeastern Nigeria’s most celebrated soups. The distinctive bitterness, which mellows considerably with proper washing and squeezing, is precisely what gives the soup its character and name. Bitter leaf is also used in pepper soup variations and valued for its traditional medicinal properties.

Buy bitter leaf online in the UK from Surulere Foods — we deliver authentic Nigerian vegetables and fresh African produce to addresses across the UK with fast, tracked nationwide delivery.

How to prepare

• Rinse the bitter leaves thoroughly under cold running water, then squeeze and wring repeatedly until the bitter water runs clear — this removes excess bitterness while retaining flavour.
• Add to the pot in the final stages of cooking your soup to preserve texture and colour.

Storage

• Store in the fridge and use within 3–5 days of delivery. Can be blanched and frozen for longer keeping.

Frequently asked

How much should I wash it?

Wash and squeeze the leaves 5–8 times in fresh water until the bitterness is at your preferred level. Some cooks prefer a stronger bitter flavour — adjust washing to taste.

Can I use it in other dishes beyond bitter leaf soup?

Yes — bitter leaf works well in pepper soup, as a nutritious addition to vegetable stews, and in traditional medicinal preparations across West and Central Africa.