News

List Of Natural Alternatives To Fresh Tomatoes

Published

3 months ago

June 23, 2024

Many Nigerians are seeking alternatives as the price of fresh tomatoes keeps soaring.

This essential ingredient is crucial in the preparation of dishes such as stew and jollof rice as tomatoes play a pivotal role in Nigerian cuisine, particularly in stews.

However, the sudden price hike has led many households to reduce their consumption of fresh tomato-based dishes.

To adapt to this change, Nigerians are becoming resourceful, seeking alternatives to incorporate into their meals.

There are four creative alternatives to fresh tomatoes to enable individuals and families continue to enjoy flavorful and nutritious meals despite the rising cost of fresh tomatoes.

See list of the alternative below:

Carrots

In its blended form, carrots are a good alternative to fresh tomatoes. The vegetable do not only have a sweet taste but can also give off the bright red colour of fresh tomatoes when mixed with peppers.

Carrots can give the reddish colour of fresh tomatoes in jollof rice and stews.

To enjoy carrot stew, ensure to per boil the carrots, onions and peppers on medium-low heat for a few minutes before blending. This gives a smoother consistency as well as make the stew more enjoyable.

Carrots are sold for N200 and above. The amount you purchase depends on the quantity of stew you intend to make. At the end, they make a cheap alternative to fresh tomatoes.

Beets/Beetroots

Beets, when blended, provide a similar red hue to tomatoes, making them a suitable replacement for stews, jollof rice, and sauce.

Beyond color, beets offer a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that can complement savory dishes.

And compared to the current high price of tomatoes, beets are often a more affordable option.

While serving as a colorful substitute, beets come packed with health benefits. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and fiber.

Beets are widely available and sold in many markets across the country, making them an accessible and nutritious option for those looking to substitute the use of fresh tomatoes.

Eggplant

While eggplants might not provide the reddish colour typical of fresh tomatoes, they are an excellent alternative.

Eggplants are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while being low in calories. Their thick consistency and sweet taste make them ideal for sauces.

The fruit is a large, egg-shaped berry with a glossy surface that can vary in color from dark purple to red, pink, yellowish, or white.

The spongy texture of eggplant allows it to absorb cooking liquids, resulting in a thick and satisfying sauce, similar to a tomato base.

Eggplants can be used to cook stews that pair well with rice, yam, potatoes, and plantain, among other dishes.

Their affordability and versatility make them a valuable addition to dishes, particularly during times of high tomato prices.

Cucumber

Cucumber is the latest alternative to tomatoes. While cucumber might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind, it offers a surprisingly refreshing alternative for stews due to rising tomato prices.

Cucumber has a milder flavour compared to tomatoes. So, consider adding spices for a more complex taste. Removing the seeds from the cucumber can help to reduce its watery content and prevent the stew from becoming too thin.

Cucumbers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration, thanks to their high water content. They have a mild flavor that can blend well in various dishes, adding a refreshing taste and volume.

To make stew using cucumbers, you should blend cucumbers for a smoother consistency to add a subtle sweetness and coolness to the stew. Also, combine with tomato paste for a touch of tomato flavor.

Conclusively, adapting to these changes can help households continue enjoying their favorite dishes while managing their budgets effectively. Exploring alternatives to fresh tomatoes like cucumbers, carrot, beets or eggplant can provide valuable solutions during times of fluctuating tomatoes price.

The above alternatives are currently being used by some Nigerian households.

News

Govt cites security threats, bans Telegram for officials

Published

29 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Ukraine on Friday restricted the use of Telegram for its government, military and security officials, citing “threats” to national security on the app founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov.

“The National Security and Defence Council decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government agencies, military formations and critical infrastructure facilities,” the council said in a statement on Facebook, saying it was a “matter of national security.”

News

Ooni unveiles launch of Olojo Festival, reveals ancestral significance

Published

35 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, announced the commencement of the 2024 Olojo Festival, revealing the event’s ancestral and spiritual significance.

Ogunwusi spoke at his palace during a news conference on the 2024 Olojo Festival with the theme “Evolving Transformationaly Domestic Tourism With Community Festivals.”

According to him, the festival is significant because of the spiritual exercises that characterise it and the testimonies it attracts.

He said the celebration of the revered cultural event was held annually in the ancient city to celebrate the day of the first dawn.

The Ooni said the festival was in remembrance of “Ogun,” god of iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people.

He added that the festival marked the birth of the “Aare Crown”.

Ooni said that several prayers rendered to Olodumare through the iconic “Aare crown” during the Olojo festival had been answered with so many testimonies.

He stated, “Olojo is the festival of dawn and the birth of the crown, “Ade Aare”, the crown of all crowns. The crown that gave birth to all crowns all over the world with all the colours of the rainbow. It is called the spectrum of rainbow crowns.

“The crown does everything humans do, it is a very spiritual crown, very sacred. I am a living example and witness. I have actually charged the crown, I have prayed with it, that I want this done, this particular time.

“This is my ninth year on the throne, going to my tenth year by the grace of God, I have seen a lot of testimonies.

“I will pray with the crown worn on my head, I pray to the almighty God, Olodumare through the crown. I have never seen any failure in it. It is our strong heritage, our strong culture and tradition and we will continue to uphold it forever.

He added that they were not idol worshipers, but rather custodians of their ancestors’ legacy, which continued to benefit them.

“These are things we should not joke about, It is our heritage, we should not compromise it with anything. It is created by nature, by God Almighty who is the supreme being,” he said.

Explaining the nature of the “Ade Aare”, Ooni described the crown as a sacred, mysterious being which bears the nature of humans.

According to him, the crown functions like humans.

He said, “Olojo is the time when the crown comes out for blessings. This is a crown that has life in it till date, right from time immemorial.

“The crown changes the weather, it does not see the atmosphere except once in a year, during Olojo festival.

It’s fake news, Ooni’s palace denies marriage trending story
“In the crown, we see everything complete, we see the day, night, four corners of the world, the northern, southern, eastern and western poles.

“The birth of the crown is actually the first dawn pathfinded by Ogun, which is linked to our celebration.”

The Ooni added, “Olojo is the main new year celebration and this dovetails to everybody’s new yam festival all over because what is used to bring out yams are cutlasses and hoes made with iron.

“This is the time we get beautiful harvests, the time we get wallnuts, bitter kola. For us in Ile-Ife, we still uphold our heritage and that is why we celebrate the first dawn.”

Ogunwusi appreciated the sponsors for the festival.

“I want to appreciate you all, our sponsors, for everything you have been doing. For always responding to my calls. May God bless you and may our ancestors guide you all. I appreciate the state government as well,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Osun, Abiodun Bankole-Ojo, appealed to sponsors of the Olojo festival to look into the possibility of developing some tourism sites within the state, like the Oranmiyan Groove.

“Please corporate bodies, stop giving us monetary and material gifts, come and develop the Oranmiyan site as a tourist site. Government will not be able to do it all,” he said.

The Olojo Festival Chief Consultant, Ayo Olumoko, urged Nigerians and international tourists to grace the festival.

NAN reports that the Grand Finale for the 2024 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, will be held between September 26 and September 30.

On September 26, there will be Ayo Olopon Traditional Game, Festival Cultural Talent Hunt (Audition) and Olojo Festival Colloquium.

On September 27, there will be Ojo Ilagun, Iwode Ile-Ife (Community cleansing) and Oonirisa’s terrestrial message to the world.

September 28 is the festival’s grand finale official ceremony, Ojo Okemogun, and the Aare cultural procession.

September 29 is Ojo Ajoyo (Asekagba), Grand Royal Reception – Invitational, Adire Oodua Cultural Exchange Exhibition and Oonirisa’s Ife Award for Community Service, 2024.

September 30 would be for the Ojo Ibile (Oonirisa’s ancestral traditional propitiation) and cultural talents hunt.

News

Trump Says Israel Will Go Extinct Within Two Years If He Loses US Election

Published

39 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Trump expressed concern about his polling numbers among Jewish voters, lamenting his current standing compared to Harris, the Democratic candidate.

President Donald Trump suggested that Jewish-American voters could bear some responsibility if he loses the upcoming presidential election to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump expressed concern about his polling numbers among Jewish voters, lamenting his current standing compared to Harris, the Democratic candidate.

Reuters reports that Trump claimed that Israel could face extinction within two years if Kamala Harris wins the election, suggesting that Jewish voters who support Democrats would share some responsibility for that outcome.

Speaking to a crowd, Trump stated, “If I don’t win this election, the Jewish community will play a significant role in that. If 40% or even 60% of people are voting for the enemy, Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years.”

He referenced a poll indicating that Harris had 60% support among American Jews.

Although he didn’t specify which poll he was citing, a recent Pew Research survey showed American Jews favouring Harris over Trump by 65% to 34%.

Trump also expressed disappointment over winning less than 30% of the Jewish vote in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Trump reiterated similar sentiments earlier at a summit in Washington aimed at combating antisemitism in the U.S.

The Trump campaign has prioritised appealing to Jewish voters in critical battleground states, where even a small shift in support could influence the election outcome.

In Pennsylvania, for instance, there are over 400,000 Jewish residents, and Biden won the state by just 81,000 votes in 2020.

In response to Trump’s comments, Morgan Finkelstein, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, criticised him for his past associations with individuals accused of antisemitism.

Trump has consistently denied allegations of antisemitism, noting his Jewish son-in-law during his speeches on Thursday.