You may be wondering, what’s all the fuss about garri being a lifesaver? Why do people (Nigerians) keep associating garri with the word Sapa? Is there anything spectacular about Garri? Well, there is a lot to know about this popular quick-to-make cassava flake popularly known as “Garri”

What is special about Garri?

Are you surprised? 

Here is a big fact!, do you know that garri is originally a native of South America? Also, cassava was introduced to West Africa in the 16th century by Portuguese colonizers. Garri became popular in the 19th century after formerly enslaved people began to return from Portugal and introduced a method for processing cassava.

Why don’t they just leave our Garri alone

Garri is one of the most commonly eaten food in Nigeria so it’s shocking to find out it didn’t even originate from us.

Garri has always been a lifesaver to almost everyone on their penniless day as a student or the days they want a quick meal.

It has always been so because garri remains one of the cheapest carbohydrate foods in Nigeria. 

As of a few years ago, a cup goes for #20, while a derica is #60 and that is sufficient for the average Nigerian family size. Although, the price of garri has risen tremendously due to inflation in the country.

There are varieties of garri and the purpose and taste differ. The major ones are:

1. Ijebu garri

This is the best garri for drinking. All you need in preparing this is garri and water. Then you can add sugar, milk, and groundnut as you deem fit. You can also add any protein of your choice as sides.

Garri ijebu is mostly a student/youth meal on the days when there isn’t enough money and they should be awarded best in drinking garri(lol).

Here you go😊

Garri and suya or garri and groundnut do a good job on those days.

  

I could remember as a student at some point if I have a little amount of garri that won’t be enough for me. I will implore the soak and travel method, that way I soak my garri with lots of water and make it swell or rise to a point that will be enough to feed on. Well that’s my sapa tactics that I just revealed. 

2. Yellow garri

It is usually called yellow garri or garri Igbo. It is best prepared as eba. This method involves adding your desired quantity of garri into a boiling water, then stirring till you achieve your desired consistency. Some like it hard and some soft, so you stir to your preferred consistency, you can eat eba with any soup of your choice.

We all know garri is a lifesaver and with the situation of the economy a lot of people can’t afford three square meals nor the standard meals. I will expatiate now what you tend to benefit from garri and the effect of excessive garri.

   Healthy Benefits Of Garri

1.It reduces the rate of cancer.

2. It is low in calories and high in fiber which will help you stay full for a long time.

3. It is great for weight as it is high in carbohydrates.

4. It builds the immune system.

Harmful Effect Of Garri

1.Consuming garri too much leads to excess storage of carbohydrates, which will lead to unnecessary weight gain.

2. Cyanide: Garri contains cyanide(organic acid) from cassava, which if not completely fermented or heated, the excess that accumulates in the body can lead to intestinal issues, and can worsen the case of an ulcer patient. 

That is why ulcer patients are always advised to avoid drinking garri.

Does Garri cause eye problems?

There’s a belief about garri that it causes eye problems, well it isn’t a myth but a fact that poorly processed garri can cause eye problems and when taken in excess could also cause significant health threats to the body.

 Five fun facts about garri

 – It belongs to a class of food called carbohydrates as it is obtained from processed cassava, which makes it a source of energy.

– A well processed garri contains vitamin A which helps to improve eyesight. Yes, that’s right, contrary to people’s belief, well-processed garri, when taken in moderation, leaves you at a lower risk of having eye problems, unlike the poorly processed one which might be high in cyanide thereby causing harm to some of the body organs which include the eyes.

– It aids digestion due to its high fiber content, it helps in fighting constipation and watery stools.

– A well-processed garri has been subjected to enough heat as heat decreases the level of the toxic cyanide. 

– It’s gluten-free, hence it’s a welcome option for people with celiac disease(gluten sensitivity)

Now that you’ve got to know what garri is and it isn’t just garri but a solid meal which has great benefits to the body. Ask your friend what is garri and hear what they’ll utter from their mouth😂. After they’ve said what they know, do well to give them full details about what you’ve learned about garri.

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Edited by: Oluwanifemi