What It Is and What Export of It Is
Utazi (Gongronema latifolium) is a leafy green vegetable native to West Africa, particularly Nigeria. Known for its slightly bitter taste, Utazi is used in traditional dishes and for medicinal purposes. It is commonly consumed as a fresh leaf or dried and crushed for use in soups, sauces, and herbal remedies.
Exporting Utazi involves sourcing high-quality fresh or dried leaves, properly packaging them to retain freshness and medicinal value, and shipping them in compliance with international food safety and phytosanitary regulations.
Botanical Name: Gongronema latifolium
Common Names: Utazi (Igbo), Arokeke (Yoruba), Utasi (Efik/Ibibio)
Uses
Uses-
Culinary Uses:
-
Added to soups like Nsala and Ofe Owerri
-
Used in Nkwobi and Isi Ewu
-
Eaten raw with palm oil and roasted yam or plantain
-
-
Medicinal Uses:
-
Used to manage diabetes and high blood pressure
-
Helps in blood sugar regulation
-
Enhances appetite and aids digestion
-
Employed in postnatal care in some Nigerian cultures
-
Forms for Export
-
Fresh Leaves (wrapped in moisture-retaining packaging)
-
Dried Leaves (sun-dried or machine-dried, whole or crushed)
-
Powdered form (finely milled and sieved)
Export Packaging
-
Fresh Leaves: Vacuum-sealed or well-ventilated polyethylene bags, packed in insulated boxes
-
Dried/Powdered Leaves: Food-grade ziplock pouches, paper bags, or aluminum foil packs, labeled properly
-
Bulk Exports: Cartons or jute sacks lined with plastic
Preservation & Shelf Life
-
Fresh Leaves: 5–7 days (refrigerated)
-
Dried Leaves: 6–12 months (cool, dry conditions)
-
Powdered Form: Up to 12 months (airtight containers)
HS Code
-
0712.90.90.00 – Other dried vegetables, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder, but not further prepared
Export Tips
-
Ensure the leaves are pest-free and meet phytosanitary standards.
-
Dry Utazi in hygienic conditions to avoid contamination and mold.
-
For EU/UK markets, confirm if the product meets organic certification requirements if labeling it organic.
-
Target African stores, herbal shops, and natural health product retailers abroad.
