A City Story Photo Weekly Contest #10: Ofada Rice

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OFADA RICE is a variety of rice popularly found in south-western Nigeria. It is grown exclusively in Ogun State, and named after the town OFADA in Ogun State.

Rumours have it that Ofada rice isn’t indigenous to Africa and it has been said that it was smuggled by soldiers who travelled to Asia, brought back the rice and planted it here in Nigeria. It has been grown in Ogun State for as long as the 1940s.

It is called Ofada Rice because its first cultivation occurred in Ofada town in Ogun State and since then has been solely cultivated in that town and then exported to other parts of the country.

Ofada Rice is extremely nutritious and healthy and so rated as the best rice in Nigeria. A question may arise as to why Nigeria doesn’t export a rice variety known as one of the best in the world and the answer would be because it is grown in just a small town in Nigeria and so isn’t produced in quantities large enough for exportation.

When compared to other rice brands such as the imported rice or rice grown in other parts of the country, Ofada rice still ranks high as can be seen in the price of Ofada rice being way higher than that of its contemporaries, weather being bought raw or prepared in restaurants and eating outlets.

Medicinal benefits of Ofada Rice

• The starch in Ofada Rice is therapeutical and can be utilized for pharmaceutical benefits.
• Ofada Rice consumption has been said to prevent Diabetes
• Ofada Rice contains Selenium which is known to reduce Colon Cancer.
• It also contains Magnesium known for keeping the bones healthy.

These are just a few health benefits of eating Ofada Rice as you stand the chance of getting a whole lot of health benefit from Ofada Rice consumption.

How do you know Ofada Rice when you see one

Ofada Rice is an unpolished or unprocessed rice and so does not contain chemicals used during rice processing. It is short and large grained with slight visible brown strips on its body. When raw, it is slightly brownish but turns white after being cooked.

How to eat Ofada Rice

Ofada rice can be eaten in a variety of way but Is best eaten in large leaves which adds to its indigenous and local feeling. Any stew can be used in eating Ofada Rice but a special kind of stew popularly called OFADA RICE STEW is often used to eat the delicious rice. This stew is prepared specially with the addition of LOCUST BEANS which gives the stew a specific taste. Below is a picture of Ofada Rice as a dish complete with beans, egg, cow meat and the unique Ofada rice stew.

Ofada Rice is actually the best rice you can find in Nigeria so when you find yourself in Nigeria, go for Ofada Rice and you won’t regret it.

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These pictures were taken from my TECNO CAMON C8 ANDROID PHONE in the city of ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.