Is It Safe To Use Kaun In Cooking?

Kaun is a natural food additive which is an alkaline salt. It is called potash, kaun, akaun, kanwa, etc.

locally in Nigeria, where it is used mostly for culinary purposes in the following ways;

• To tenderize tough meats.
• To decrease the cooking time of legumes and beans.
• To stabilize oil and water emulsions.
• To increase the viscosity of mucilaginous vegetables like okra or jute leaves.
• To preserve the colours of vegetables during cooking.

Other uses of kaun.

• To suppress fires.
• To clean because of its anti-microbial properties.
• To treat acne, pimples and other skin issues.

I read that kaun has some side effects and may not be ideal for human consumption, but it is used sparingly in cooking and has been used by our forefathers with no complaints. Kaun has been used by women in rural areas to induce abortion because it is said to stimulate the uterus.

I really do not know the real name of kaun in English and there are many types found in our local markets. Some are soft and powdery while some are hard and rock-like. 

if you know more about kaun and its uses, please share below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.