Vegetables and fruits form a
very important part of a balance diet as it provides the body with vitamins,
minerals and so many other highly beneficial nutrients, that are
necessary for maintaining good health and sound mind. Plateau state is the home
of so many great things, some of which includes exotic vegetables, fruits and cool weather. Some
of the vegetables found on the Plateau are not grown in any other part of the country. The
major reasons for this include favourable soil and climatic conditions in the state, which are suitable for growing such crops. In this post, I will be sharing with you ten vegetables and fruits you can find in Jos which you may not find anywhere else in Nigeria. If you are
ready let’s go!
1. Strawberry
Strawberry is cultivated in large quantity, in Jos and other parts
of Plateau state. If you have ever travelled from Abuja to Jos, then you must
have noticed women hawking strawberry and other exotic fruits and vegetables
around Riyom local government area. Strawberry is a very rich source of vitamin
C and also contains antioxidants.
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| Strawberry |
2.
Blackcurrant
When
you hear the word blackcurrant what comes to your mind? Yes, Ribena!
Blackcurrant is a deep purple-black berry that is rich in nutrients not found
anywhere else. Native to central and northern Europe and Siberia, Blackcurrant
can be found in abundance in Jos and environs. Blackcurrant contains a high
amount of vitamin C. Up to 300 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C can be
obtained in 100-gram serving of blackcurrant. It also contains the B-vitamins
(B1, B5, and B6). Research has also shown that they help in preventing
Alzheimer’s disease and treats or prevents arthritis. Despite the immense
benefits of blackcurrant, it is one fruit that you may have to sweeten with
honey or sugar before consuming it because of the sour taste. It can also be
used for baking and making sauce. The sauce can be made delicious with lamb,
turkey, or fish. Blackcurrant can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks.
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| Blackcurrant |
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is arguably exclusively grown in Plateau state only in Nigeria. It is a green sponge-like looking vegetable with some leaves. It contains among several
vitamins and minerals sulfur, which is a good anti-inflammatory. This is
especially beneficial to smokers as it helps to reduce the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a blood
protein used to measure a general degree of inflammation. Broccoli also
contains carotenoids hence, the greener the broccoli florets the more the
carotenoid it contains.
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| Broccoli |
4. Radish
Radishes can be white, red, black or purple. In terms of shape it can be long and cylindrical or round. If you have never seen the white radish before, you may confuse it for the white variety of sweet potato. The white and purple radish are cultivated in large quantity in Jos and other parts of the state. Radish can be eaten raw or cooked. Most parts of radish, such as the leaves, flowers, pods and seeds are edible. The pods forms an excellent part of salads and serves as appetizer.
The Radish has a lot of health benefits. It is used in the treatment of disease like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, weight loss, kidney disorder, jaundice, piles, urinary disorder, and so many other diseases. That is why the market at Building Materials area in Jos is usually abuzz with customers from all over Nigeria who buy the raddish, beetroot and other vegetables, and sell to Cancer, Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease patients.
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| Radish |
5. Cauliflower
Just like radish, cauliflower is another
vegetable that you can easily find in Jos. It looks like the broccoli but the bud is white. Cauliflower is also of
high nutritive value. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is used to fight
various ailments such as cancer, inflammation and heart conditions. It is also
useful for boosting brain health, detoxification support, proper digestion, and
as antioxidants.
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| Cauliflower |
6. Eggplant
Eggplants contains important phytonutrients such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids, such as nasunin which is a potent antioxidant. It also an effective brain food and offers a good source of protection from cardiovascular diseases.
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| Eggplant |
7.
Cucumber
Cucumber contains substances called lignans that have a strong
tendency of reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as several
cancer types like breast, prostate, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Fresh
extracts from cucumbers have also been show to have both antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties.
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| Cucumber |
8. Celery
Celery is a crunchy and crispy vegetable that is well known for being low in calories. It contains useful phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. It’s a convenient on-the-go snack as well as a vegetable that can be incorporated into cooked dishes, stir-fries and salads. Unlike some vegetables, celery retains most of its nutrients even if it is steamed.
According to World’s Healthiest Foods, celery should be eaten within seven days of buying it. This is because after five to seven days, significant amounts of the antioxidants and other vital compounds in celery disappear.
According to World’s Healthiest Foods, celery should be eaten within seven days of buying it. This is because after five to seven days, significant amounts of the antioxidants and other vital compounds in celery disappear.
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| Celery |
9. Beetroot
Last but not the least is the Beetroot. Beetroot is a brown tuber vegetable with bright red interior. It was first cultivated by the Romans. Today, the leading commercial producers include the USA, Russia, France, Poland and Germany. Beetroot can be roasted, blended into a soup, boiled, or consumed raw in salads. Beetroot is low in fat, full of vitamins and minerals and packed with powerful antioxidants. Among so many of its health benefits, it helps in preventing constipation and lowering of cholesterol levels.
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| Beetroot |
10. Tomatoes (Tomato Jos)
Okay. I know some people will say most states in Nigeria cultivate tomatoes too, but everybody knows that the variety of tomatoes cultivated in Jos is very special. No wonder in Flavour’s hit song titled “Oyi” he referred to the woman he admired as “Tomato Jos”, which is a popular way of complementing a beautiful woman in Nigeria.
Tomatoes contains a lot of vitamins, minerals and other very important chemicals that are necessary for maintaining good health.
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| Tomatoes |
Other vegetables that are mostly grown in Plateau
state include Mint, Peas, Green Beans, and Pepper (Green, Red and Yellow
Pepper). So, if you happen to be in Plateau state, take advantage of the vast
array of vegetables, which can be found in any of the markets in Jos, to
prepare highly nutritious and delicious cuisines for you and your family. Until
I come your way again next week, I will leave you with this quote by Henry David
Thoreau:
“Do not lose hold of your
dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased
to live.”
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