The Elders' Box – Bitter Kola, Prekese, Uda, Zobo & Raw Honey

Five things your elders kept in the house. One box, at your door.

There was always a jar somewhere. On top of the fridge, or in the corner of the parlour, or in your grandmother's bag. You never asked what was in it. It was just there, and someone would press a piece into your hand when you visited, and you'd make a face, and they'd laugh.

This is that jar. Five things, in one box, shipped anywhere in the United States.

What's inside

• Bitter Kola (Orogbo / Àkụ Ilu) — 8oz. Whole Garcinia kola nuts. Break a small piece, chew it slowly, drink cold water after. The water turns sweet. In Yoruba, orogbo carries the root gbó — to grow old — which is why elders invoke it in prayers for long life.
• Aidan Fruit (Prekese) — 6 pieces. The long dark pod that perfumes a whole pot. Ghanaian and Nigerian kitchens both reach for it. Rinse, crack, simmer.
• Uda (Grains of Selim) — 2oz. Smoky, warming, faintly peppery. The backbone of pepper soup and the traditional hot drink.
• Hibiscus / Zobo — 250g. Sun-dried Sahel hibiscus. Steep with ginger, pineapple skin and cloves for the deep red drink you grew up on.
• Pure Raw Honey (Buckwheat) — 12oz. Dark, unfiltered and bold. How most people introduce bitter kola to a beginner — and to children.

Why a box

Because these five belong together. They sit in the same corner of the same kitchen, they get pulled out for the same occasions, and buying them one at a time means five shipping charges. Bought separately these come to $54.74. Here they're $49.99, packed together and sent as one.

Who it's for

• Anyone who grew up around these and has never bought them for themselves.
• A gift for parents, in-laws, or the friend who's homesick.
• Naming ceremonies, traditional weddings, new-year gatherings.
• Teaching children born here what these things are and what they're called.

Storage

Keep everything sealed in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate the bitter kola to keep the nuts firm. Honey never spoils — if it crystallises, warm the jar in water.

These are traditional food items, sold as food. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, speak with your doctor before adding new foods to your diet.