NUS ni kifupi cha Neglected and Underutilized Species (Spishi Zilizopuuzwa na Kutotumika Vya Kutosha). Nchini Tanzania, hizi ni mazao ya asili, matunda na vyakula vya ndani vilivyokuwa sehemu ya kawaida ya milo ya kila siku lakini vimekuwa vya kawaida kidogo wakati kilimo na masoko ya chakula yamezingatia mazao makuu machache.

Vyakula hivi vingi vina lishe bora, vikitoa vitamini, madini na virutubisho muhimu vinavyosaidia lishe bora na tofauti. Mara nyingi yanazoea hali za ndani na yanaweza kukua hata katika mazingira magumu, na kuwa muhimu kwa ustahimilivu wa tabianchi na usalama wa chakula.

These foods are deeply connected to Tanzania’s cultural heritage. They reflect the knowledge, traditions, and food practices of different communities across the country—from coastal areas to the highlands and rural farming regions. They are an important part of what makes Tanzanian food culture so rich and diverse.

NUS pia ni sehemu ya urithi wa chakula uliosahaulika, ukiletwa ladha na viungo vya kipekee vilivyofurahiwa kwa vizazi. By bringing these foods back to our plates, Tanzania can celebrate its food diversity, preserve traditional knowledge, and reconnect with its culinary roots.