Agricultural Story #24

Good to see all of you again. I have the privilege of participating in this contest- Agricultural Story.
My Story this week is about a commonly known edible leaf in our locality. It name is Lasianthera africana (Botanical name) while the local name in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria is Editan.

It's plant is a little shrub with tiny but tough stem that does not grow too tall. It is used for cooking a superb local delicacy known as Editan Soup(🍲 Afere Editan).

Preparation

The leaves are gathered from it's shrub by using a knife or by breaking the stick with one's hand. After that, picking of the leaves is done one by one. The leaf is carefully washed without squeezing and spread undersun before slicing if there is a need(i.e if they are dirty).

A Kitchen knife, a Chopping Stick and a tray are kept near for slicing the leaves into tiny pieces.

Slicing itself is a tedious job that needs a well sharpened knife because the leaves are tough. Also carefulness is required as to avoid cutting the finger that will help lick the tasty soup when it is done.

After the slicing, pounding of the leaves was done in a motar, thereafter, I put it in a pot that was washed and ready for the job. Boiling was done for 5-7minutes to soften the chopped leaves after which it was turned into a sieve(colander) to drain out the bitter, greenish and slimy water.

More clean water were used afterwards to continuously drain away the bitterness in it. But the bitterness cannot be drained totally because of it's health benefits. That is why I don't like it to be washed with potash to drain the bitterness completely.
Lasianthera africana combines well with waterleaf just like Afang and Edikang Ikong soups.

I later handed over the other part of the preparation to my wife and the soup was made ready.

All ingredients purchased are got from engagement in different forms of agricultural activities.

Health Benefits of Lasianthera africana

1. It Boosts Fertility

Many people from different cultural backgrounds believe the leaf to help solve fertility issues in men and women by heightening libido, improving ovulation, and enhancing conception. Some believe the leaf to promote erection in men through improved blood flow to the reproductive organ. However, these claims have not been well established by experts in medical science.

2. It has Strong Antioxidant Activities

Editan has been said to be an excellent good source of powerful antioxidants. The antioxidant infusion of the leaf is strongly felt in the human brain. When one eats the vegetable in suitable quantities, it supplies the body with flavonoids and polyphenols, which protects one from oxidative stress induced injury. The oxidative stress-induced damage can lead to Alzheimer disease and some other neurodegenerative diseases.

3. It Promotes Healthy Weight

When a plate of Editan soup is eaten, your fiber store would be replenished.Thus giving you a sense of satisfaction such that your craving for junk food will reduce drastically, thereby promoting a healthy weight.

4. It is Good for Your Bowel Health

It can solve issues like constipation and indigestion. Please encourage children of school age to consume the soup more often to enhance their digestion and calm brain. Thus hastening growth rate in the long run.

5. A good Source of Vitamin A and C

Vitamin A deficiency is a public health issue in Nigeria, especially in expectant mothers.This menace has contributed to mortality rate both in the mother and the infant. Studies have confirmed this leaf to be effective in closing the vitamin A insufficiency gap in humans.
It is also rich in vitamin C, that can help to boost the immune system and fight infections.

6. It Might help Treat Ulcer

Editan leaves might be useful in treating ulcer. The present of some organic compounds of alkaloid(which is therapeutic), flavonoid (which is metabolite), saponin (which is a secondary metabolite), and terpene (which is a biosynthesis building block). These substances can help to handle ulcer effectively.

7. It May Help Treat Malaria

Another 2007 study on the antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Lasianthera africana stated that the leaves could help in combating malaria.The study concluded that Editan leaf possessed significant antiplasmodial activity, which could promote malaria resistance.

8. Anti diabetic Properties

By 2016, a survey validated the claims that editan leaf is good in controlling and managing of diabetes mellitus. It also evaluated the hypoglycaemic and phytochemical properties of the leaf for normal control of diabetes. It was found out that the leaf has some powerful medicinal potential as for therapeutic purposes and that the hypoglycaemic (sugar lowering properties) of the leaf could be used by diabetic patients as a supplement.
Food vendors/restaurants hardly include this Soup in their menu because it is time consuming to prepare one.
If you have a portion of land, plant it and you will enjoy it either by selling the leaf or when you prepare this Cousine at home.
I will like to extend my invitation to @udyliciouz, @okere-blessing and @bossj23 to join the contest.

• Photographs: NokiaC30 captures