How To Make Locust Beans – How to Prepare Iru
The Yoruba people of Nigeria use a wet variety of fermented locust bean called Iru, which is processed similarly to the other types of ogiri. There is, however, a slight difference in the stages involved in making iru.
- Wash and boil the locus bean seed until it is soft.
- Drain the water from the locus bean after it has been cooked.
- Then wrap the already cooked locus bean (Iru) in a green leaf such as plantain leaf or banana leaf.
- Allow to ferment it for like 4-5 days.
- The ogiri is complete and ready to use, sprinkle some salt over it and cover.
Simply used loosely in that it does not have to be dried, smoked, or molded.
How to Preserve Locust Beans
It can be sundry or stored in a tight container and store in your fridge for about 3 -6 months. Locally, they use banana or plantain leaves to wrap and keep close to the fire.
