/ɛˈluːbɔ/
Definition:
ELUBO is a Yoruba swallow food made from dried yam that is peeled, sliced, sun-dried, and ground into a fine flour. This yam flour is then mixed with hot water to form a smooth, elastic dough commonly called Amala, which is eaten with a variety of Nigerian soups like Ewedu, Gbegiri, or Ogbono.
- Synonyms: “Yam flour”, “Amala flour”, “Dried yam powder”
- Antonyms: “Fresh yam”, “Rice”, “Pounded yam” (as it uses fresh yam rather than dried)
Hear how native speakers pronounce ELUBO in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “I chop ELUBO with ewedu and goat meat soup yesterday, belle sweet die!” (I ate ELUBO with ewedu and goat meat soup yesterday and felt so happy!)
- Formal: “ELUBO is a staple in Yoruba cuisine and plays a significant role in local food culture.”
- Idiomatic: “If you wan test true Yoruba kitchen, try ELUBO with gbegiri—na there you go sabi who sabi cook!” (If you want to try real Yoruba cuisine, try ELUBO with gbegiri, that’s how you know who cooks best!)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word “ELUBO” originates from the Yoruba language, predominantly spoken in southwestern Nigeria. It refers specifically to yam flour, which is a traditional base for making amala. The yams are sun-dried to preserve them, a method that has been used for centuries to ensure long-term storage and availability outside of yam harvest seasons.
In pre-colonial times, ELUBO was a symbol of status and food security, often kept in homes and palaces alike. Over time, it evolved into a daily staple for both the rich and the poor. The process of making ELUBO is also deeply rooted in traditional Yoruba culinary practices passed down through generations.
Regional Usage:
ELUBO is primarily consumed in Yoruba-speaking regions of Nigeria such as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, and Ondo states. However, it has gained popularity across Nigeria and even in Nigerian diasporic communities abroad, thanks to its unique taste and texture. In northern parts of Nigeria, ELUBO is also known and sometimes used interchangeably with other swallows, though it remains most strongly associated with southwestern Nigeria.
Many people now buy pre-packed ELUBO in markets or grocery stores, making it more accessible even in urban centers and international supermarkets.
Have you ever tasted ELUBO with ewedu or ogbono soup? Drop your own sentence using the word ELUBO below. Let’s talk about your best Yoruba food combos. Who dey hungry already?