STEREOTYPES AND YORÙBÁ LOCAL DELICACIES PREPARATION: A CASE STUDY OF MỌ́ÍNMỌ́ÍN/Ọ̀Ọ̀LẸ̀

Abstract

Local delicacies remain vital to the identity and heritage of many African societies, including the Yorùbá people of Southwestern, Nigeria. In the preparation of local delicacies, there are certain processes that must be followed strictly in order to have a good result. Recently, Modern consumers have started changing some of these processes by incorporating new recipe, because of the ‘trending shift’. This study examines the new trend in the preparation of mọ́ínmọ́ín/ọ̀ọ̀lẹ̀ and its socio-economic, health and cultural impacts on the society. For this research, quantitative technique was employed through in-depth interviews with twenty (20) respondents (3 mọ́ínmọ́ín/ọ̀ọ̀lẹ̀ sellers, 2 caterers, 2 eatery managers, 3 mọ́ínmọ́ín/ọ̀ọ̀lẹ̀ consumers, 3 housewives, 2 beans sellers, 2 leaves sellers, 1 feed-mill operator, 1 nutritionist, and 1 veterinary doctor). From the data gathered, the respondents provided different opinions and thoughts about preferred preservation methods for beans, availability of ewéeran (Thaumatococcus daniellii), and preparation of mọ́ínmọ́ín/ọ̀ọ̀lẹ̀, ranging from the selection of beans, the key ingredients to use in the cooking, and the processes that should be followed to achieve a good result. The respondents also gave their insights and recommendations based on personal and professional experience, especially the reason behind the adoption of local recipes, and improvisation of new recipes for new taste. The findings reveal lack of professionalism regarding food preservation; non availability of ewéeran (Thaumatococcus daniellii) throughout the season, and affordability of aluminum pouches. Thus, it is highly recommended that there should be community and religious meetings where nutritionists can give health talks frequently about healthy living and safe preservation methods. Also, governments should help the farmers in providing harmless chemicals for the preservation of their produce for a prolonged shelf-life.