What You Gain From Eating Cow Skin.

Cow skin is processed into ponmo or kanda in Nigeria and is a popular alternative to beef for some people. It is added to stews and soups to add variety to the types of meat to be cooked. In some other countries, cow skin is mainly processed into leather for accessories and furniture. Some cow skin is also processed into leather in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country, but why do we love ponmo so and what does it give us in terms of nutrition.

Ponmo can be classified as a protein source with low biological value because it is only high in collagen.  It has almost no nutritional value, being low in fats with no vitamins or minerals. Because

people do not eat ponmo alone, but rather combine with other sources of meat, it is difficult to say that it will cause a deficiency of important nutrients.

There are two forms of ponmo sold in Nigerian markets depending on their method of processing. The ponmo with brown colour is processed by burning the skin to remove the hair before boiling. The white type is processed by removing the hair with blades or knives and hot water before boiling. White ponmo can also be made by frying cleaned raw skin in oil and then boiling in water.

The only thing that should give us cause for concern about brown ponmo is some of the materials used in burning the skin and the residues they leave on the skin. Some processors use inappropriate materials like rubber, plastics and tyres as a fuel source in burning the skin.

What you choose to eat is your choice but remember that good food is good medicine. If you want to add ponmo to your meals, process by yourself at home. It is easy to do and raw cow skin is highly available. Ponmo is a good addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight because of the low calories. Make sure that you combine ponmo with vegetables and food sources that will provide good nutrients. Ponmo has always been, and will remain, a part of our cuisine.

Have you got something to say about ponmo or add to this write up? Please do so below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.