  Kola
Nuts (aka
Cola Nuts) are a common sight in The Gambia, playing a very important
role in the culture and
traditional social life. The nuts are chewed and are
valued for it's pharmacological effects and euphoriant qualities as a
stimulant, aphrodisiac, hunger suppressant, and healing properties.
Extracts of these nuts are regularly found in high energy drinks and
cola beverages such as Coca-Cola to be found on Europe's supermarkets.
Description:
Kola nuts, the seed of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata, are native to
West Africa. It is a genus of about 125 species of trees native to the
tropical rainforests of Africa, classified in the family Malvaceae,
subfamily Sterculioideae (or treated in the separate family
Sterculiaceae). It is related to the South American genus Theobroma
(Cacao). They are evergreen trees, growing to 20 m tall, with glossy
ovoid leaves up to 30 cm long. About the size of a large walnut or
small golf ball, they vary in colour from pink to beige. They are the
seed pods of various evergreen trees; Sterculiaceae cola vera is the
scientific name of the most common species. The kola nut trees, which
grow as tall as 60 feet (18 meters), are most common in Western Africa
and the Atlantic coast area of Central Africa. The flavour is
extremely bitter; most aficionados say the taste is acquired. They
pack a punch with a chemical that is similar to caffeine.
Where to buy them & storage:
They
can be bought at any Gambian local market and many corner shops and
from a few street peddlers. The best way to
store them is submerged in water, as they grow mould if left in a
plastic bag.
Social Functions:
Kola nuts play an essential part in certain social occasions in Gambia
such as naming ceremonies,
weddings, funerals and requesting for someone's forgiveness. They are commonly
used as gifts to show respect. When visiting an Alikaalo (village
chief), for example, it would be wise and polite to present him with a
few kola nuts.
Other Uses:
The pods are also used to ease labor pains; seeds to relieve diarrhea,
nausea, and hangover. The roots are used as a chewing stick to clean
teeth and freshen breath.
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Kola Nuts:
Local name Gurru |
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