Just started using but really fast delivery
Locust beans, known as iru in Yoruba and dawadawa in Hausa and Ghana, are fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa). A small spoonful adds deep, savory umami to Nigerian and Ghanaian soups and stews, and it's essential for authentic ayamase (ofada stew), efo riro and egusi soup.
Why shoppers choose our locust beans
- Authentic fermented iru with a traditional, bold aroma
- A little goes a long way: this 50g pack flavors many pots of soup
- No MSG needed: a natural, traditional way to add umami
- Ships in about 2 business days across the U.S., or pick up in Chicago
How to use iru (locust beans)
- Rinse briefly if you prefer a milder aroma.
- Fry with onions and pepper at the start of cooking, or stir into soup as it simmers.
- Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons per pot, then adjust to taste.
Dishes to make with locust beans
- Ayamase (ofada stew)
- Efo riro (spinach stew)
- Egusi soup
- Ghanaian dawadawa soups and stews
Storage
Keep tightly sealed. Refrigerate after opening, or freeze to keep it fresh for months.
Frequently asked questions
What does iru taste and smell like?
Strong and pungent when raw (like aged cheese), mellowing into a rich, savory flavor when cooked.
Is iru the same as dawadawa?
Yes. Iru (Yoruba) and dawadawa (Hausa and Ghana) are both fermented locust beans.
Is iru the same as ogiri?
No. Ogiri is a different fermented seasoning, usually made from castor or melon seeds. Both add umami, and some cooks use them interchangeably.
Where can I buy iru near me?
Visit Yado African & Caribbean Market at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, or order online for U.S. shipping.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.7 / 5 from 948 reviews.
Do not waste your money by purchasing Soursop Bitters from the sites E### or A##### as it is watered down. I am glad I found this site and this is 100% the real stuff. I have ordered again. I would stand on this because it's the real deal. They're honest and the price is great.
Amazing 10 out of 10! 10 out of 10 out of 10!!!!!
It came in well packed, so no possible breakage. Thank you
You sold and expired products
I got my order on time. I'm so happy! I will be ordering more from them.
I just got it can’t share no experience yet, but I can tell you it taste disgusting
I just got it so I can’t share no experience yet
I love these sugar free cookies. I am a diabetic and was delighted with the delicious no after test of most sugar free products.
This is my second time ordering from this website and I'll definitely be back again ❣️
It’s perfect! Use it in my hygiene routine and even better for bug bites
Smells really good, and already seems to be fading on the first day! Very excited for later results
I use with everything from chicken, rice and noodles
Smells amazing and soft! The scent lasted all day and received a lot of compliments
I have eczema and used the cream for the first. The itching stopped and the outbreak did decrease. I will continue to use the product.
Just one week of use, and here’s how my progress is going! This really works. Make sure not to stop using it abruptly and keep the area hydrated
The cookies got wet, in my opinion; they're dry and have yellow residue on them. Please make sure we protect them properly before shipping them here.
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Store owner replied: I am so sorry to hear that. Please email us at Yadomarket@gmail.com so we can take care of this for you.
I knew this from the Caribbean when I left the country. It's the number one season in the Caribbean I fell in love with the seasoning it's good on everything I will continue to use that only
I tasted this and it's not watered down this has that bitter taste and you know it's real.
Love them, shipping came before due date. Been looking everywhere and couldn't find them. Thanks I'll definitely be ordering more items from here
This is not the brand I order and you showed on the site.
Fast shipping. Great product
The cream is spoiled I need a refund please or send me back good ones
I’ve been craving these since I moved, I’m glad to have found a store that sells it.
Not sure but I wanted to try the product because I heard good reviews from other people, but I’ve never bought from this actual store and it made me break out in hives.
I bought this in Ghana 6 years ago, and was devastated that I couldn't find it anywhere in the US. Its great that I found a site that holds it. Its extremely moisturizing and silky, it makes my skin feel and smell fantastic. It has a strong coco butter scent, but it isn't pure coco butter. So if you're looking for that, this isn't the product for you. Its like a coco butter lotion.
Cocoa butter Hand and Body Cream 460ml by Princess Cocoa Paa
My order arrived on time and was surprisingly well packaged. I was worried because I’ve ordered from other African sellers online, and my packages have arrived broken due to poor packaging or without tracking updates. I used this order as a test, and I’ll definitely be ordering more from Yado soon.
Very good
They sent me what I paid for and on time too. I'll be buying from them henceforth
Really good stuff
Tetmosol Medicated Soap | Treats Scabies, Itching & Skin Infections | Antiseptic Skin Care Soap
I use it in my laundry and a smaller amount in my bathwater. I grew up in the island using this
This is my second bottle I like the overall feeling of wellbeing.
Timely and secure delivery!! Totally satisfied thanks for helping me out. Oh, the spicy mango is absolutely delicious 👌
Pickapeppa Spicy Mango Sauce – Sweet & Spicy Caribbean Flavor
Store owner replied: Thank you so much for the review. The chicken looks delicious 😋
It goes a long way from start to finish!!! One bottle can be shared with another person and still goes a long way.
It arrived in a securely wrapped package. I appreciate that. And timely. Thank you
Delivery on time, smells wonderful and last all day definitely will order again in the future thank you so much
I love it! And I started taking it in 2019. I’m doing so well with it, that my husband is now taking as well. Thank you for this wonderful product!
I love it so much! This the second ordering from this shop and i am so pleased!extremely good quality
Box of Epiderm Cream by Shalina, 30g – Epiderm Cream for Smooth, Even Skin
Delicious 😋
The salad cream was perfect for the potato salad we prepared grate tasting
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