African Bitter Kola Nut, Whole Nigerian Garcinia Kola (Orogbo), 0.5 lb

African bitter kola nut, whole, from Nigeria, 0.5 lb. All natural, with no additives or artificial flavours. Bitter on the first bite, with a sweetness that comes up behind it as you chew.

If you grew up with it, you may know it as orogbo or aku ilu. If you are new to it, this page tells you what it is, how people use it, and how it differs from kola nut.

What bitter kola nut is

Bitter kola nut is the seed of Garcinia kola, a tree that grows across the rainforest belt of West and Central Africa. The seeds sit inside a fruit about the size of a small apple. When the fruit is opened, the seeds are taken out.

You will see it sold under several names. They are all the same nut:

• Bitter kola nut, bitter kola nuts or African bitter kola
• Garcinia kola nut (the name of the tree)
• Orogbo (Yoruba), aku ilu (Igbo), miji goro (Hausa)
• Petit cola (French speaking West Africa)

Bitter kola nut is not kola nut

They are often sold side by side, but they are different nuts from different trees.

If a recipe or a family member asks for one, the other will not do. More here: Bitter kola vs kola nut.

How it is used

• Hospitality. In many Nigerian homes bitter kola is offered to guests whole, alongside kola nut. Each guest takes one, peels it and eats it. Breaking and sharing is how kola nut is served, not bitter kola.
• Chewing. Plenty of people simply chew the whole nut, slowly. Here is how to eat bitter kola, step by step.
• Cooking. It can be grated into soups and stews where a bitter note is wanted. For cooking, the powder is easier to measure: Bitter Kola Nut Powder, 4 oz.

Whole nuts or powder?

• Whole nuts keep longer, and they are what you want for chewing or offering to guests. They are hard, so use a good knife or a small grater to cook with them.
• Powder is what you want for cooking and drinks. The grinding is done and you can measure it. The trade off is that ground spice loses its edge faster than whole, so buy the size you will use.

Storage

Keep bitter kola nuts somewhere cool, dry and dark, in a closed container.

Buying from Jeb Foods

• Whole Nigerian bitter kola for sale online, shipped anywhere in the US
• Sold by Jeb Foods, Union, New Jersey
• Orders ship within 48 hours, Monday to Friday
• Free US shipping on every order
• Returns within 30 days, unopened and in original packaging. No restocking fee. Full policy
• Buying for a shop or restaurant? See our Wholesale page

Questions people ask

What is bitter kola called in English? Bitter kola or bitter kola nut. Its botanical name is Garcinia kola, and in Yoruba it is orogbo.

Is garcinia kola the same as bitter kola? Yes. Garcinia kola is the name of the tree. The nut is bitter kola.

What does it taste like? Sharply bitter on the first bite, with a sweetness that comes up behind it and stays. Some people compare the aftertaste to liquorice.

Is bitter kola the same as petit cola? Yes. Petit cola is what it is called in French speaking parts of West Africa.

How much do you use in cooking? Less than you would think. It is assertive. If you cook with the powder, start with half a teaspoon in a pot and taste before you add more.

Where can I buy whole bitter kola in the USA? Right here. We ship across the US from New Jersey, and orders go out within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Some African grocery stores carry it too.

Read more: What is bitter kola? The Nigerian nut, explained, and Where to buy bitter kola and bitter kola powder in the USA.

What is orogbo?

Orogbo is the Yoruba name for bitter kola. In Yoruba homes it is offered to guests, served whole and unpeeled, and it is often bought for traditional weddings. In Igbo it is aku ilu, in Hausa miji goro and in French petit cola.