Cow hide/skin, popularly known as ponmo or kpomo, is basically cow skin that has been processed to look similar to beef. There are two (known) varieties of ponmo. This classification is based on their mode of preparation and colour. One is usually white/cream/off-white in colour, while the other is brown.
In the white/cream variety, the hide is removed from the skin by soaking in boiling water, and then using blade to shave off the hair; while in the brown variety, the hide and skin are subjected to a high level of heat, so as to burn out the hide. After this process, the skin is then washed several times and then boiled for hours so as to ensure that it is softened.
The skin is then sold in our markets as ponmo – a great delicacy and an important ingredient in the preparation of several stews in various cultures in Nigeria.
Despite the taste appeal ponmo delivers to your taste buds, it would be quite shocking for some of you to know that ponmo contains little next to nothing in terms of nutritional value.
Most Nigerians love ponmo so much that some believe a good day meal is incomplete without it. Ponmo is a regular sight at parties and several public outings, served in different formats.
According to medical bodies, they strongly warned against the consumption of animal hides and skin, known locally as ponmo. Saying it is not advisable for you to consume ponmo in the sense that some of the animals killed and used for ponmo actually have skin diseases. Some of these skin diseases are such that boiling them ordinarily may not kill the bacteria.
Another reason added was that some of the animals killed had been ill and undergoing injections but the rearers went ahead to kill them, leaving the buyers vulnerable to chemicals in the animal skin.
So there you have it,STOP KPOMO CONSUMPTION.
But for me, it’s all medical research but until I hear of a severe case caused by ponmo consumption. Too delicious!
Medical research sponsored by leather show makers. Abegi make them go sit down jare.
As far as I’m concern, kpomo must be inside my soup anytime, anyday…So I submit.
That’ll be hard small o, stop ponmo ke!?
Kinni? I’ll continue eating my kpomo……Wht abt the beef frm such animals (under injection? That one is safer abi or how many of us go to abattoirs to get our beef?
Is that all d reasons why it should not be eaten? Meaning if the animal skin is not diseased and not receiving any medication is ok abi? Except that it does not have any nutrient which invariably means no calories! So ponma here are come, a must eat for me today. Make oyinbo go sit down for corner with their yeye research