Iru (Locust Beans)

Real soup starts with real iru — the deep, savoury base note that egusi, ogbono, and stew just don't taste right without. Fikemi Foods brings you authentically fermented locust beans, ready to cook straight from the pack.

The Missing Ingredient in Your Soup

If your soup or stew has ever tasted like it's missing something, it's probably this. Iru (fermented locust beans) is the umami backbone of countless Nigerian and West African dishes — it's what gives egusi, ogbono, efo riro, and okra soup that deep, savoury flavour you can't get from stock cubes or seasoning alone.

Fikemi Foods' Iru is made the traditional way, through natural fermentation, so the flavour is authentic rather than a shortcut imitation. A little goes a long way — added in small amounts while cooking, it works its way through the whole pot, rounding out the flavour instead of announcing itself. Whether you're cooking for a full family pot or just want your everyday soup to taste like home, this is the ingredient that makes the difference.

Why You'll Love It

• Authentic fermented flavour — made the traditional way, not a shortcut substitute
• A little goes a long way — small amounts flavour a full pot of soup or stew
• Versatile pantry staple — works in egusi, ogbono, efo riro, okra soup, and more
• Multiple pack sizes — buy exactly what you need, from a single pack to a dozen
• From a trusted producer — Fikemi Foods

What's Inside

• Product: Iru (fermented locust beans)
• Brand: Fikemi Foods
• Sizes available: 100g / 200g / 750g
• Also available: By the dozen (bulk option)
• Use: Traditional Nigerian/West African cooking — soups, stews, and sauces

Who It's For

• Home cooks making egusi, ogbono, efo riro, or okra soup who want authentic depth of flavour
• Anyone stocking up on West African pantry staples for regular cooking
• Nigerian and West African households or restaurants ordering in bulk (dozen packs)
• Cooks who've been substituting stock cubes and want to get back to the real thing

Common Questions

How much iru should I use per pot of soup? A little goes a long way — start with a small amount (a teaspoon or small ball, depending on the recipe) and adjust to taste, since the flavour is concentrated.

What's the difference between the pack sizes? 100g and 200g suit regular home cooking; 750g and the dozen option are better value for frequent cooks, large households, or those who cook in bulk.

How should I store it? Keep it well-sealed and refrigerated or frozen after opening to preserve freshness, as with any fermented product.

Does it have a strong smell? Yes — fermented locust beans have a distinctive, pungent aroma, which is normal and part of what gives the finished dish its authentic flavour.

Ready to Cook?

Get the real taste of home — shop Fikemi Foods Iru, from £2.49