The 15 Nutritious Crops

Our Products

NUS Products

01
Boga (Pumpkin)

Pumpkin, leaves and seeds

  • Health. Vitamin A, iron, calcium, fibre, healthy oils and protein for eyes, immunity and digestion.
  • Climate. Fruit, seeds and leaves are all used, so more of the plant is eaten and less is wasted.
  • Food. Cook the fruit in soups, porridge and juices; roast the seeds; eat the leaves as relish.
02
Mchicha (Amaranth)

Amaranth Leaves and Grains

  • Health. Nutrient-rich leaves and grains that add diversity to everyday meals.
  • Climate. Drought-tolerant, with a long harvest window for small-scale farmers.
  • Food. Eaten as a leafy vegetable and as a grain in porridge and local dishes.
03
Mgagani (Spider Plant)

Spider plant

  • Health. Protein, fibre, iron, folate, calcium and zinc for blood health, immunity and growth.
  • Climate. A traditional leafy vegetable that still grows well in local gardens.
  • Food. Cooked as relish or mixed with other household foods.
04

Bambara beans

  • Health. A protein- and mineral-rich legume for stronger household diets.
  • Climate. Drought- and pest-resistant; thrives where other crops struggle.
  • Food. Africa’s resilient bean for everyday meals and local dishes.
05
Nyanya Chungu (African Eggplant)

African eggplant

  • Health. Fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for digestion, immunity and iron absorption.
  • Climate. An affordable traditional vegetable suited to local farms.
  • Food. Eaten raw like a fruit or cooked in soups, sauces and stews.
06
Tembele (Sweet Potato Leaves)

Sweet potato leaves

  • Health. A leafy vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals for everyday nutrition.
  • Climate. Grows readily in household plots with modest water and care.
  • Food. Commonly cooked as part of family meals.
07
Topetope (Custard Apple)

Sugar apple

  • Health. A traditional fruit that supplies vitamins and minerals.
  • Climate. A local fruit tree that supports dietary diversity.
  • Food. Eaten fresh; also useful for household income.
08

Sesame

  • Health. Protein, healthy fats, fibre, calcium, iron and zinc for bones, blood, immunity and heart health.
  • Climate. A traditional oilseed that copes with dry growing conditions.
  • Food. Used in snacks, flour, porridge, cooking oil and sesame milk.
09
Ulezi (Finger Millet)

Finger millet

  • Health. Calcium, iron and fibre, with slow energy release — useful for children and people managing diabetes.
  • Climate. A traditional grain that supports household food security.
  • Food. Eaten as a whole grain or milled for porridge, ugali and local foods.
10

African nightshade

  • Health. Iron, protein, vitamins and minerals for blood, bones, immunity and healthy growth.
  • Climate. A traditional leafy vegetable for local gardens.
  • Food. Cooked on its own or with okra, meat, eggplant, carrots and coconut milk.
11

Bungo fruit

  • Health. An indigenous fruit that adds vitamins and variety to local diets.
  • Climate. A culturally rooted fruit tree adapted to Tanzanian landscapes.
  • Food. Eaten locally and valued for dietary diversity.
12

Pearl millet

  • Health. Energy, fibre, iron and essential minerals for everyday meals.
  • Climate. A hardy cereal for arid and semi-arid areas.
  • Food. Eaten as porridge, ugali, or mixed with other flours.
13

Velvet beans

  • Health. Protein and energy when the beans are properly processed.
  • Climate. Fixes nitrogen in the soil, supporting more resilient farming systems.
  • Food. Used for food, soil improvement and animal feed.
14

Cashew Apple

  • Health. Vitamin C, antioxidants and natural sugars from an underused fruit.
  • Climate. Makes use of fruit that already grows on cashew trees.
  • Food. Eaten fresh or processed into juices, jams and dried products.
15

Sorghum

  • Health. Energy, fibre, antioxidants, iron and zinc for digestion and lasting energy.
  • Climate. Drought-tolerant cereal for dry areas, with low input needs.
  • Food. Eaten as porridge, ugali, flatbreads or fermented foods.