Aidan Fruit is something I will always have in my kitchen. I love it for its aroma, taste, flavour and versatility. I use it in cooking soups like Peppersoup, my version of Banga soup, I make tea with it, I use it to ward off mosquitoes in my garden in the evening by burning it in an incense pot, I put the brew in a humidifier to diffuse the aroma in my living room, it has a beautiful aroma. It is that versatile. The benefits are vast.

Aidan Fruit’s scientific name is Tetrapleura Tetraptera, in Nigeria is known by some of the following names; Uyayak, Aridan, Oshosho, Osakirisa, Ubukirihu… it is popularly known as Prekese in Ghana. Prekese drink is quite popular in Ghana, as a matter of fact, I learnt about brewing Aidan fruit (Prekese) as a drink when my mum returned from study in Ghana a few years ago.

Earlier in the year when I got really sick with Covid 19, Aidan Tea was something I drank regularly because it was one of the few things I could tolerate, secondly because it contains antioxidants and it is loaded with vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium that help boost the immune system.

Here are some of the nutritional benefits of the Aidan Fruit according to studies

---

According to studies, the fruit can reduce glucose levels during fasting and non-fasting hours. Thus, it controls diabetes because a study on rats indicates it helps treats Type 2 diabetes.

The plant has microbial and antibacterial properties that can treat skin diseases. When added to soaps, they treat bacterial infections and inflammations.

The extracts work on human pathogens that could help relieve pains from arthritis and rheumatoid pains.

The essential phytochemicals in the plant have immense benefits for the cardiovascular system which in turn treats heart-related diseases and reduces high blood pressure. It also regulates the oxidation levels of hypertension patients.

Aside from enjoying the flavours, it lends to meals, the plant is a rich source of vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium that help boost the immune system. The zinc protects the body against viral and respiratory infections; iron increases blood levels, and potassium and calcium strengthen the bones while preventing and managing muscle disorders.

The Aidan fruit can be used to make teas that aid in weight loss. It is said to have the ability to detoxify the body hence getting rid of toxins from the system, aiding in overall body health and weight loss. For its anti-aging properties, it is advisable to keep using it as a spice in meals or soak in water and drink as detox water.

https://face2faceafrica

See more benefits here

Where can I buy Aidan Fruit/Uyayak? In Nigeria, you can buy the pods from Peppersoup spice sellers or those who sell herbs for herbal medicine.

Recipe

• 1 Aidan Fruit Pod
• 1 liter water
  
  Optional items
• Lemon
• Honey

Aidan fruit has a natural sweetness to it, so you can drink it without any additional sweeteners. Just like your regular tea, you can add lemon, mint or anything that rocks your boat.

Procedure

• Chop the pod up and leave it to infuse in water.
• In a pot on medium heat, allow the pods infused in water to slowly come to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat off and leave it to cool.
• Strain into a cup and serve.

I like to leave it overnight because the longer it infuses, the more flavour it releases, however you can boil almost as soon as you chop the pods.

Your brew can be served hot, warm or iced cold.

• Drinks