Starch, a beloved Nigerian swallow, is a staple in the South-South region, often paired with rich, flavorful soups like Banga soup and Owho soup. Made from processed cassava, starch stands out from other cassava-based swallows like fufu and garri due to its elastic texture and bright yellow color, which is achieved by adding palm oil during preparation.
How Is Starch Made?
✅ Harvesting & Peeling – Fresh cassava tubers are harvested, peeled, and cleaned to remove the outer skin and impurities.
✅ Washing & Grating – The cassava is washed thoroughly and grated into a fine pulp using a mechanical grater or a traditional mortar and pestle.
✅ Soaking & Fermentation – The pulp is soaked in clean water for 3 to 5 days to ferment, softening the cassava and enhancing the starch extraction process.
✅ Starch Extraction – The fermented pulp is sieved using a fine mesh or cloth to separate the liquid starch from the fibrous residue.
✅ Settling & Drying – The starch liquid is left undisturbed, allowing the starch to settle at the bottom. Once settled, the excess water is drained, and the starch is either sun-dried into powder or used fresh.
Is Starch Safe for Consumption?
Yes! Edible starch is safe to eat but is primarily a carbohydrate-rich food, meaning it lacks essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s best paired with nutrient-rich soups like Banga soup, which contains vitamin A, E, and protein from fish and meat.
Nutritional Breakdown of Starch (Per 100g)
- Carbohydrates – 80-90%
- Protein – Less than 1%
- Fiber – Low
- Fats – Less than 1%
Edible Starch vs. Laundry Starch – What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder whether edible starch and laundry starch are the same. Here’s how they differ:
🔹 Edible Starch – Made from cassava, naturally processed, and sometimes mixed with palm oil for color and taste. When cooked, it has a yellow, stretchy, and smooth texture.
🔹 Laundry Starch – Often derived from corn or other plant sources, undergoes chemical processing, and contains preservatives that are not meant for consumption. It appears as a white powder or liquid and is used for fabric stiffening.
⚠ Tip: Always ensure you’re consuming properly processed cassava starch meant for food and not laundry starch!
Have you ever tried starch with Banga soup? Share your experience in the comments!