WriteAright-A 5 day Writing Challenge:Oil bean Preparation

I greet you all my dear friends here on Steemit.Everyday above the ground is enough reason to thank the Almighty.Welcome to my blog as you read on.At this point I want to register another entry in the ongoing 5-day writing challenge.Permit me at this point in time to talk about oil bean.

Oil bean(ugba or ukpaka) is a popular food in Nigeria.It is rich in protein and vitamin.In some places in Imo state Nigeria,oil bean is always served to visitors.It is also prepared and served in big occasions like traditional wedding or other festivals.In some restaurants and intercontinental restaurants,oil bean is a food that is in high demand.Some bars also serve it.

Preparation process of Oil bean

I will explain the whole process from scratch.Oil bean is mostly picked under its tree because the matured pod breaks open during the sunny period of the day and so people who stay under its tree to pick the seed which comes out from the broken pod.

•Harvesting

Harvesting of oil bean can be by staying under its tree to pick it as it breaks or the owner of the oil bean tree can climb it ama harvest it at once.This method is very effective and gives a bountiful because the owner takes it all.

source_{Oil bean seed}

•Cooking
This is the second stage after harvesting.The seed would be introduced into a big pots containing water and cooked for over an hour.The cooking helps to soften the oil bean seed.As soon as the seeds gets softened or breaks during the cooking,it can now be brought down from fire.

•Peeling the cooked seed
As soon as the cooking was over.The seed would be peeled properly.It is best peeled while it is still hot.Proper care should be taken at this point because the water from it can stain a cloth permanently.After peeling the whole seed,we can now move to the next stage.

•Marking and Slicing
It is now time to use a shape metal called aguwa to mark deep lines on the seeds.This is followed by using a sharp knife to slice the seed into smaller sizes.After this process,the whole thing would looked tiny and thin just like broken broom stick.

•Boiling
This is the second boiling process.The sliced oil bean is then boiled properly at a high temperature.After it is done,it would be introduced into a metallic colander so that the whole water would go out.

•Fermentation
At this point the whole water has be removed with the aid of the colander.It is now poured into a wooden basket and covered for atleast 24 hours.Now the fermentation process is completed.The oil bean is now ready for you consumption.

sourceAfter fermentation

Consumption Methods

Now the oil bean is ready for consumption.It could be eaten raw.It could be mixed with red oil,meat,potash,salt,pepper,onions and served as food.It could also be used to prepare vegetable soup or eaten with tapioca.