Munkoyo Explained

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.

Health incidents

While collecting munkoyo roots, some root harvesters also remove poisonous roots. This has caused several incidents of dozens of people being hospitalized. One such incident happened in Solwezi District, hospitalizing 17 and killing 2,[7] and another incident near Kitwe which hospitalized 98.[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Keith Steinkraus. Handbook of Indigenous Fermented Foods, Revised and Expanded. 4 May 2018. CRC Press. 978-1-351-44251-0. 528–530.
  2. Book: Everlon Rigobelo. Probiotics. 3 October 2012. BoD – Books on Demand. 978-953-51-0776-7. 176–.
  3. Book: Françoise Malaisse. How to live and survive in Zambezian open forest (Miombo ecoregion). Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux. 2010. 978-2-87016-106-7. 289–295.
  4. 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. en. 14. 10. e0223501. 10.1371/journal.pone.0223501. 1932-6203. 6805097. 31639127. 2019PLoSO..1423501P. free.
  5. World News Today . 28 May 2024 . World News Today. . . 24 December 2018 . English.
  6. Web site: Jongeling . Coretta . Beating malnourishment with traditional drinks . Resource online . 15 July 2024 . en . 13 November 2019.
  7. Web site: Zambia: Munkoyo Kills 2, 17 Hospitalised . 31 May 2024.
  8. Web site: Kabaila . Moses . Times of Zambia 98 mourners poisoned after drinking munkoyo . Times of Zambia . 31 May 2024.

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