The unique thing about leftover akple, banku |Tsorkple

In the local dialect of the Ewes, whose main food is akple, the leftover one is termed TSORKPLE. For some folks, eating leftover food like akple or banku is something they do not like to attempt. Wastage of food is abhorred everywhere in the world and it is not an exception here also. 

In fact, there is a belief that wasting food can make a person lack food or become poor in the future and it is considered a natural law or occurrence. The reason being that you wasting it means you do not want it and it might end up vanishing from you. From experience, those who witnessed the nationwide famine some years ago are very strict when it comes to making sure that any food to be left overnight is well preserved to prevent spoilage. 

An uncle once narrated their ordeal during this nationwide famine which has taught them many lessons. According to him, the parents used to put a stone in a pot with water and place it on fire without their knowledge. The kids are then told that food(beans) is on fire which gave them some hope whilst they were actually being deceived. The parents didn't have any food to provide when they cried so this was the only approach to keep them hanging on some hope which was even a mirage. It was an unforgettable moment that taught them many lessons of the economic use of resources and importantly food. 

Preserving banku or akple from spoilage

This food is kept from spoilage in a number of ways per an individual's preference.

The first one is to wrap it in rubber which is mostly white. This approach keeps it in an airtight environment and makes it stay for long about two or three days without getting spoiled.

In another way, the addition of cassava dough helps a lot in prolonging the life span. Whilst banku is mostly mixed cassava dough, akple is rarely mixed with it but in case it is to be kept for some time, the addition of cassava dough helps. 

The modern way of keeping it nowadays is the use of the refrigerator.

How to handle leftover banku, akple before consumption.

Leftover akple popularly known as tsorkple has to be heated like any other food in a boiling water very well and served hot. From the confession of some, the energy it gives them is unusual for the day's work which after consumption, all they need is water to keep moving strong throughout the day. 

The experiences with the consumption of leftover banku or akple varies from one person to another. For some, after consumption, it makes them feel sleepy during the early hours of work as either students or workers. On the contrary, it provides that unusual energy for some to work actively at various places of work most especially on the farm. 

It is just amazing hearing different kinds of people sharing their personal experiences of what this food does to their body in many ways. You can learn how to prepare akple and also share your personal views.

Interestingly, some eat it for breakfast for reason best known to them.