Munkoyo[1][2][3] or ibwatu[4] is a popular drink in rural Zambia. It is a mildly fermented drink made from maize porridge and pounded Rhynchosia venulosa (known locally as munkoyo) roots.[5] This mixture is then boiled.[6] It can then be drunk immediately after it is made or allowed to ferment for several days. It is often called "sweet beer" by Zambians. It is also found in central African countries like Congo where it is used as a drink in traditional ceremonies as well as an ordinary beverage.
Munkoyo is known to have positive health effects, including promoting a healthier gut microbiome and vitamin B.[6]
Health incidents
editWhile collecting munkoyo roots, some root harvesters also remove poisonous roots. This has caused several incidents of dozens of people being hospitalized.[5] One such incident happened in Solwezi District, hospitalizing 17 and killing 2,[7] and another incident near Kitwe which hospitalized 98.[8]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Keith Steinkraus (4 May 2018). Handbook of Indigenous Fermented Foods, Revised and Expanded. CRC Press. pp. 528–530. ISBN 978-1-351-44251-0.
- ^ Everlon Rigobelo (3 October 2012). Probiotics. BoD – Books on Demand. pp. 176–. ISBN 978-953-51-0776-7.
- ^ Françoise Malaisse (2010). How to live and survive in Zambezian open forest (Miombo ecoregion). Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux. pp. 289–295. ISBN 978-2-87016-106-7.
- ^ Phiri, Sydney; Schoustra, Sijmen E.; Heuvel, Joost van den; Smid, Eddy J.; Shindano, John; Linnemann, Anita (2019-10-22). "Fermented cereal-based Munkoyo beverage: Processing practices, microbial diversity and aroma compounds". PLOS ONE. 14 (10): e0223501. Bibcode:2019PLoSO..1423501P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0223501. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 6805097. PMID 31639127.
- ^ a b Lukwesa Burak (24 December 2018). "World News Today". World News Today. BBC World News. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ a b Jongeling, Coretta (13 November 2019). "Beating malnourishment with traditional drinks". Resource online. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "Zambia: Munkoyo Kills 2, 17 Hospitalised". Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ Kabaila, Moses. "Times of Zambia | 98 mourners poisoned after drinking munkoyo". Times of Zambia. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
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