Discover the Hidden Powers of Elubo and Amala: A Journey to Better Health and Wellbeing
In Yoruba cuisine, two terms that often appear together are Elubo and Amala. Although closely related, they are not the same. Understanding their differences helps you appreciate the culture, nutrition, and culinary value behind these traditional foods.
This guide explains what Elubo and Amala are, how they differ, their health benefits, and answers the most common questions about them.
What Is Elubo?
Elubo is the Yoruba name for yam flour.
It is made from yam tubers that are:
- Peeled
- Sliced
- Sun-dried
- Milled into fine flour
There are two main types:
- Elubo Dudu – made from dried brown yam
- Elubo Funfun – made from dried white yam
English name for Elubo: Yam Flour
Elubo is the ingredient used to prepare Amala.
What Is Amala?
Amala is the smooth, stretchy swallow made by cooking elubo with hot water.
It is a famous Yoruba dish eaten with soups such as:
- Ewedu
- Gbegiri
- Okra
- Egusi
- Efo Riro
Important:
- Elubo = the flour
- Amala = the food you eat
Just like:
- Garri → Eba
- Cassava flour → Lafun
Difference Between Elubo and Amala
The focus keyword Elubo and Amala is best understood through their differences:
1. State
- Elubo: Dry flour
- Amala: Cooked swallow
2. Purpose
- Elubo: Ingredient
- Amala: Finished food
3. Processing
- Elubo: Made by drying & milling yam
- Amala: Made by cooking the flour in hot water
4. Colour
- Elubo dudu → dark brown amala
- Elubo funfun → light amala
Summary
Elubo and Amala are connected, but not the same. Elubo is the flour. Amala is the cooked meal. See sample prodducts
Is Amala the Same as Elubo?
No.
Amala is made from elubo, but they are not the same thing.
- Elubo = Yam Flour
- Amala = Cooked yam flour swallow
Is Elubo “Isu Amala”?
Yes.
In Yoruba, “Isu Amala” refers to yam prepared and processed specifically for making amala.
So elubo (yam flour) can be called Isu Amala because it is yam processed for amala.
What Is Elubo Called in English?
Yam Flour is the correct English name.
Some people also say:
- Yam powder
- Dried yam flour
But the accurate name is Yam Flour.
Is Elubo and Amala Healthy?
Yes — both are considered healthy Nigerian foods, especially when eaten in moderation and paired with nutrient-rich soups.
Health Benefits of Elubo and Amala
- Naturally gluten-free
- High in complex carbohydrates
- Good source of fiber
- Contains potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6
- Provides steady energy
- Gentle on the stomach
- Lower in calories compared to eba and fufu
- Good for people trying to reduce weight or heavy starch intake
Amala made from elubo is one of the lightest and easiest-to-digest swallows.
Is Elubo a Processed Food?
Yes, but only lightly processed.
Elubo is made from yam that has been:
- Peeled
- Sliced
- Sun-dried
- Ground into flour
This is minimal processing, similar to oat flour or millet flour.
No chemicals. No additives. No artificial bleaching.
So Elubo is a natural, minimally processed African food.
Conclusion
Elubo and Amala are deeply rooted in Yoruba culinary tradition, providing both cultural value and nutritional benefits.
Elubo is the flour, and Amala is the finished swallow — simple, healthy, versatile, and loved across generations.
Whether you enjoy it with ewedu and gbegiri or with rich vegetable soup, amala remains one of the most iconic foods in Nigeria.
References
- FAO – Nutritional Composition of Yams (Dioscorea spp.)
- Harvard School of Public Health – Carbohydrates and Complex Carbs
- USDA FoodData Central – Yam Nutrition Data
- Nigerian Institute of Food Science – Traditional Processing of Yam Flour
- Journal of Food and Nutrition Research – Yam and Digestive Health