Ponmo is cow skin which has been processed for consumers to cook and eat like beef. Over the years cow skin, popularly called ponmo. has become an important delicacy that is eaten by everyone. When you order a plate of eba and egusi soup, you buy ponmo and meat. So, you begin to wonder how and when ponmo found its way to the plate of Nigerians. Anyways, for you love cow skin or ponmo so much, here are solid truths about ponmo.
The over-consumption of ponmo is affecting the leather industry
The leather industry is suffering from the consumption of ponmo by Nigerians. Instead of these hides being used to make shoes, bags and wallets, we prefer to eat them. Consequently, Nigeria is losing out of the 75 billion dollars global leather industry according to Mr. Olufemi Aluko of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University. Perhaps, this why Nigeria imports all her leathers.
Its nutritional benefits is in doubt
There has been a lot of back and forth about the nutritional benefits of eating ponmo. Health experts have said that it is harmful and unhealthy but Nigerians disagree. So, the essence of eating ponmo is defeated if it is confirmed that it has no health benefits.
It is unhygienic
Mind you, we are not trying to demonise ponmo. But the truth is ponmo is unhygienic because of the unclean environment the cow hides are extracted and prepared. Hence, before you consume ponmo, you have to boil it for hours. In some cases, boiling may not kill the bacteria.
It is cheap
It is very cheap and this is a reason why ponmo is very prevalent. Of course, the sizes that it is cut is much bigger than meat and beef.
It is a source of livelihood
For some Nigerians, ponmo has become a source of livelihood. They have taken the advantage of the ponmo craving among Nigerians to survive. You can’t blame them!
Peppered ponmo is very tasty
Wow! Have you ever tasted those fluffy, peppered ponmo? It is heavenly and tasty!
It will be difficult to ban ponmo
When the Nigerian government announced that it was going to ban ponmo, the outcry among Nigerians was deafening. The #BringBackOurPonmo began trending. Rather than banning it, more cow hides should be allocated to the leather industry.
