Story by Ikram Isa, Summer 2022
Black eyed beans, like many legumes, grow in pods. With its cream colour and dark center, these plants are part of the Fabaceae family from the Vigna genus. My earliest memories of planting were actually with black eyed beans in repurposed soda bottles at home. I remember how quick the plant was to begin sprouting and how excited I became at its first appearance and early development. I admired the contrast between the dark soil and the luscious green of the plant. And I recall how my parents would use the beans as a counting tool to help me learn how to add and subtract when I was in kindergarten. We would spread the beans out on the carpet in my parents room and slowly push the beans one by one into a pile; “one, two, three, four…”. This makes me reflect on how easy it is to repurpose the resources we have at home in meaningful ways.
Black eyed beans are native to subtropical countries as they require long warm summers. Nigeria is one of the ideal locations for growing black eyed beans. Consequently, this bean is especially important in the Hausa community in Nigeria, where I am from, during the month of Ramadan. During this month, muslims (a large majority of Hausa people are muslim) fast from dawn till dusk. A very popular meal that Hausa people break their fast with is kunu, a millet pouarge, and kosai. Kosai is made from black eyed beans that have been soaked, peeled, blended with peppers and other seasonings, and then fried into flat balls.
With its high protein and fiber content, kosai is quite the perfect food to break one's fast with. But even beyond its nutritional value, kunu and kosai have a significance in the community as they are typically eaten in a group setting– with family members and close friends. Plus, the process of making these foods is a bit extensive and will often require the help of multiple people. I remember that when we would make kosai in our house, two people would sit on the floor and peel the beans together from one bowl while conversing with each other and those around them. This ultimately contributes to the feeling of community.