Ukpo (Mucuna slonei)

Ukpo (Mucuna slonei) is among one of the legumes found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is a food thickener known to originate from Asia and was introduced into the western hemisphere via Mauritus (Nkpa, 2004). It is known as “horse eye bean”; and with other local names in respect to different tribes and ethnic groups. It is called ‘ukpo’ by Ibos; ‘karasuu’ by Hausas and ‘Yerepe’ by Yorubas. They belong to the legumefamily fabaceae.
Nutritionally, the importance of Mucuna sloanei (Ukpo) lies in high content of protein and lysine. They are usually limited in the sulfur containing amino-acids particularly methionine. They are better source of phosphorous, but only fair in their supply of iron and calcium . Ukpo (Mucuna sloanei)
contain 20.0 – 25.4%, crude protein, 43.5% – 49% CHO; 5.05 - 7.0% fat; 25.0 - 27.4% crude fibre, and about 6.46% - 14% moisture.
‘Ukpo’ (Mucuna sloanei) is used in preparing various soups as soup thickeners (Ezueh, 1997). In
addition to their thickening property, Ukpo has gelation properties and imparts a gummy texture when used in soups. This is a desirable attribute for the eating of ‘gari’, ‘fufu’, pounded yam etc.