Ayilo Accra, Production Site

Ghana – GH011A
Composition: Clay
Colour: Grey
Shape: Shaped

Medium hard, crispy, becomes creamy in the mouth, smoky taste, slightly sour.

This sample was acquired during a field trip to Ghana in October 2019, it was obtained by masharu and Riecelda Landveld on a production site of this clay snack at Makola market in Accra. The production was carried out by a family: Elizabeth and her daughter.

In Ghana, edible clay is called ‘eshire’ by the Akan tribes, ‘farankese’ by some northern tribes, ‘fefe’ by the Ewes while the Gas call it ‘ayilo’. Ayilo is the most known edible earth in the country and can be easily found in markets and shops. The clay soil is dug from the earth and prepared by milling the large particles and blocks to help reduce the particle size. The fine powder is then mixed with water and stirred into a uniform paste. Afterwards, the paste is molded into a sausage-like shape and then baked to reduce the moisture content and retain the shape. In some cultures, the molded paste is baked and smoked to give it an appealing aroma. Both types are found commonly on the Ghanaian market. The ayilo is consumed mainly for gustative pleasure but also by pregnant women as a remedy for morning sickness. This sample is smoked and shaped, its cooking time is long and thus grants clay a darker color.

Sources:
● ‘Use Hyile / Ayilo (Bentonite Clay) To Open Your third Eye!’, Ghana Star (English), accessed on 16/06/2022 www.ghanastar.com
● ‘Eating Ayilo Could be Harmful: Dr Sarpong’, by Daily Graphic, Modern Ghana (English), accessed on 16/06/2022 www.modernghana.com
● ‘African Ayilo Clay’, Ubuy (English), accessed on 16/06/2022 www.ubuy.com.gh
Photo by masharu