This African delicacy is extremely sacred to the Enugu and Igbo Tribes of western Africa and is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune. Indigo Herbs has two Cola Nut products, Cola Nut Powder and Cola Nut Tincture, which are infused with the essence of these well practiced traditions. Following the African tribes that consume this energising botanical, Indigo Herbs only use the very best examples of Cola Nut to go into our Cola Nut Powder and Cola Nut Tincture. You can be sure that these two products will be the very best that can be found on the African continent.

The Enugu and Igbo Tribes reserve a very special place for the Cola Nut in their traditions. It could be said that its reverence is beyond sacred. There are many elaborate ceremonies which are performed around the Cola Nut depending on the environment and situation at hand. Symbolising peace, prosperity and friendship there are customary practices that incorporate this delicacy in fertility, marriage ceremonies and offerings to deities but having special significance in the greeting of guests to the village. The Cola Nut must be offered in both palms of the out stretched hands; if the nut happens to break in two then it is considered a bad omen of sorts.

If the nut breaks into many parts it is thought to be a significant sign giving prosperity to both the presenter and the guest. Four parts coincide with the four market days of the Igbo week. Five or more broken parts mean prosperity for the family. If there is no Cola Nut in the village then the chief has to offer deep apologies and explanations to his guests as to why there is an absence of delicacy.

In this way the Cola Nut is thought to be an enormous part of tribal life to the extent that even the twigs of the plant are used by the men of the tribe for cleaning their mouth and teeth. Every part of the tree is completely utilised. This tree is an evergreen of the genus Cola, of the species Cola nitida. It has long light green leaves with yellow star shaped flower bursts with purple/red central striping. The fruit is round and goes yellow when mature. Inside the fruit the nut/seed are either oval or square shaped and have a rose like smell. The taste is bitter turning sweet when chewed. The orange/red nuts are preferred over the grey.