This is the most expensive food in Igboland

Ukwa, commonly known as African breadfruit, stands tall as the most expensive food in Igboland.

Ukwa may look like a simple traditional meal, but among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, it holds a revered place at the dining table. Not only is it the most expensive local food in the region, but it's also served at high-ranking occasions and to very select individuals. So, what exactly makes Ukwa so special?

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Ukwa is the seed of the African breadfruit (Treculia africana), a large tree indigenous to West Africa. The seeds are starchy, protein-rich, and highly nutritious. To many Igbos, Ukwa is not just food, it’s heritage.

Ukwa is rare. You can't just plant a Ukwa tree and expect it to grow overnight. It requires careful nurturing and takes many years to mature. Most of the Ukwa seeds available today come from trees that are over a decade old.

How Ukwa is Prepared (From Start to Finish)

Making Ukwa is a labour of love, and it shows in the process:

• Harvesting and Shelling: The breadfruit seeds are encased in a very hard shell that must be carefully cracked open. This alone can take hours.

• Sorting and Cleaning: After removing the seeds, they are sorted to remove bad ones and thoroughly rinsed multiple times.

• Boiling with Akanwu (Potash): Ukwa takes a long time to soften, so potash is often added during cooking to speed up the process and improve the texture.

• Flavouring: Once softened, ingredients like palm oil, salt, pepper, crayfish, bitter leaves, scent leaves, and sometimes dry fish or stockfish are added to infuse the dish with rich flavour.

• Simmering: The mixture is gently simmered until it forms a thick, hearty, porridge-like consistency.

The entire process can take hours because of the tedious shelling and cooking method. Compared to staple ingredients like rice or beans, Ukwa is significantly more expensive. And that’s just the raw seeds. When you add the cost of ingredients like palm oil, stockfish, and crayfish, the price of a full pot of Ukwa can rival that of feeding a large group with jollof rice.

Feeding a family of four with Ukwa is nothing short of an investment. These days, a single plate of well-prepared Ukwa will set you back at least ₦5,000. Add to that the rigorous preparation process, and it’s easy to see why Ukwa is the most expensive food in Igbo land.

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Why Ukwa Is an Elite Food?

Ukwa isn’t your everyday meal. In traditional Igbo culture, it’s reserved for royalty, elders, or very special guests. You’ll typically find Ukwa served:

• During title-taking ceremonies

• As a meal for the oldest man or woman in a family

• At prestigious gatherings or festivals

• To in-laws during marriage introductions, as a sign of respect and honour

Other Expensive Foods in Igboland

While Ukwa is top-tier, there are other costly and prestigious foods in Igbo culture:

• Nkwobi: A delicacy made from cow foot, often served in bars and at parties. Rich in spices and palm oil.

• Isiewu: Goat head dish, meticulously cooked and spiced, often considered a "man's meal" in many Igbo settings.

• Ofe Owerri (Owerri Soup): Known as the "king of soups," this soup is made with assorted meats, snails, and sometimes even periwinkles, making it one of the most expensive to prepare.

• Ofe Akwu (Palm Nut Soup): Although more common, a fully loaded pot can be costly when prepared with the traditional ingredients.