Queens, NY (July 14, 2022) Burlap & Barrel, a leading purveyor of single origin spices sourced directly from smallholder farmers around the world, is launching two West African spices. Jollof Rice West African Seasoning is warm, savory and with nods to the varied styles of jollof rice seasonings, this blend is a winner in all manner of rice dishes — and beyond. Iru, or fermented locust beans in the Nigerian language Yoruba, is a super-umami ingredient rarely found outside West Africa — it adds a deeply funky, savory flavor to any dish.
Jollof Rice Seasoning, made in collaboration with Abena Foli of POKS West African Seasonings, boasts a delicate balance of warm and herby notes that are amplified with some heat. The mix of flavors transcends the borders of West African countries while accommodating for heat tolerances, without compromising on the bold flavors West African foods are known for.
Jollof Rice is a unifying culinary anthem that evokes a lot of passion, especially around how it is prepared, and which country makes the best Jollof Rice. This blend has sweet paprika for the tatashe (red bell pepper) typical of Nigerian and Cameroonian Jollof Rice, tomato powder for the tomato-heavy notes typical of Ghanaian and Ivorian Jollof Rice, herbs (bay leaves and thyme) for the Senegalese and Gambian influences as the originators of the Jollof rice recipe, and the West African holy trinity of spices — chili pepper (Cobanero chili), ginger and an allium (garlic).
This launch follows our iru collaboration with Chef Tunde Wey. Iru (fermented locust beans) has been used for centuries across West Africa for its delicious and healthful properties. Rich in protein and natural fats, it imparts a deep umami flavor to savory or sweet dishes. It’s the fermented bean of the Nigerian Locust Tree, and it has an incredible, complex flavor, somewhere in between chocolate, miso, and cheese.
Today, it’s at risk of disappearing from kitchens, and we want to make sure you get to know this beautiful spice, which is perfect for umami-rich stews, sauces and bean dishes. Despite its wide applications across West African cuisine, it’s still surprisingly difficult to find in the US, especially in dry bean form.
Jollof Rice Seasoning jars retail for $11.99 and Iru jars retail for $9.99 and are available for national shipping via www.burlapandbarrel.com and at select specialty food retailers.
About Burlap & Barrel
Founded in 2016, Burlap & Barrel is a social enterprise that works directly with smallholder farmers to source fresh, single origin spices for professional and home cooks. A Public Benefit Corporation, they build long-term partnerships with farmers to help connect them with high-value markets and improve their livelihoods. Many of their spices have never been available in the US before, including their award-winning Zanzibar Black Peppercorns, Vietnamese Royal Cinnamon and Blue Turmeric. Their spices can be found on the menus at Eleven Madison Park, Blue Hill and Chez Panisse, and they have received over 6,000 5-star reviews.
