POTASH/AKANWU

Potash, also known as kaun or akanwu in some African regions, is a natural cooking additive commonly used to tenderize food and enhance texture. It is a form of potassium carbonate, traditionally derived from the ashes of plants. In cooking, potash is especially popular in African cuisine for preparing dishes like ebiripo, okra soup, ugba, or gbegiri, where it helps soften ingredients, thicken soups, and speed up cooking time.