By AAT
Today, rice is the most consumed and easily prepared food among over 200,921,797million Nigerians across the states and geopolitical zones according to a survey.
The growing of rice gained momentum all over the country since the federal government banned importation of rice while the demand for rice has grown significantly. Over the last 40 years, rice consumption has also risen in Nigeria at a much faster rate than in any other African country.
Ofada rice is locally grown rice predominantly in Ogun State, a State in the Southwestern State and named after Ofada Town in Obafemi Owode Local Government where the farming was exclusive then but today the tide have changed to other areas particularly Yewa Local Government area of the State.
Ofada rice types are mostly blends, and are not indigenous to Africa. They contain Oryza glaberrima (African rice) as well as the more common Oryza sativa Asian rice, and may be categorized as either brown/red Ofada or white Ofada on the basis of unmilled seed colour, grain size, shape, and shade.
Ofada rice is unpolished and possesses a lot of health benefit for consumers even though many prefer the foreign and locally made rice because ofada rice is expensive.
Ofada is sometimes processed using fermentation and adds a lot of aromatic smell and quality to the product.
There are seasons for every planting, same applies to ofada and you can easily find it much available and cheaper around August to October every year after which farmers and sellers who had it stocked will determine its prices.
Currently, we have millions of Nigerians living abroad who are lovers of Ofada and its exportation to the UK, US and other countries in large quantities will be another boost for the country.
It is popular that rice contains sugar and many people suffering from diabetes are usually advised to stay away from any food that has Sugar.
Speaking with the Sales Director, Doyin Falolu of the indigenous farmers hamper who majorly deals with Ofada and yam flour explained that it is time for Nigerians to embrace local foods and avoid going to the hospital saying the aftermath of eating junks is dangerous to the health.
At this time, ofada has suddenly becomes an option because it has zero sugar and it is very beneficial to the health.
Benefits of Ofada rice are:
- Boosting of Immunity in the body
The presence of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and E help to make the body stronger and boost immune system strength against certain diseases. ofada rice also contains three times more vitamin B# and 10 times more vitamin B1 and B6 than white rice.
2.Ofada rice is good for bone- Essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus; zinc and folate are contained in ofada rice. They also help in the absorption of other bone health nutrients required to nurture your bones and prevent bone diseases.
3) Lowers bad Cholesterol levels:The high amount of dietary fibers in Ofada lowers LDL cholesterol levels which are responsible for excessive weight gain due to insulin resistance.
4. Contains a lot on antioxidants: The amount of antioxidants in Ofada rice is 20 times more than that in the normal white rice. Antioxidants help to prevent the damage to the system caused by free radicals. Intake of foods and drinks that can neutralize these free radicals are highly encouraged.
5. It lowers bad Cholesterol levels: Due to the cellulose and fibre content of Ofada rice, it is recommended of calorie management in health conditions such as diabetes.
6. Ofada also prevent constipation.
Cooking Ofada rice is strategically different from other rice because you need to wash it several times to ensure it doesn’t have any stone retaining as this serves as piss off for some people while other times, you wash and you cook, then you change the water depending as some do smell and reveal dirty water on fire.