Should dried cowskin(ponmo) be a part of the protein family?
A common debate on ponmo is about its value as a nutritious delicacy or an unhealthy cuisine. In this article, we will explore ponmo and its usefulness in the culinary landscape.
Ponmo or Kanda is the indigenous name given to cow skin in Nigeria, it is a cuisine that has wormed its way into the heart of the country and is locally preferred as a source of protein. Although cow skin is often sourced and processed into by-products like leathered goods, basketballs, jackets etc, it is popularly eaten as a cheaper alternative to meat and other higher sources of protein. Due to its hardened texture, it takes a lot of procedures like roasting or boiling to tenderize and make it consumable. Notwithstanding, it is still largely sought and it is often paired with other proteins to make the meal more aesthetically pleasing and appetizing. For quite some time, there has been a popular bias towards ponmo being unhealthy and lacking in nutritional value but this couldn't be any further from the truth.
Contrary to popular belief, this meat source not only helps with digestion due to its fiber content, but is also very high in collagen. Collagen is a type of protein often found in bone marrow, skin tissues and other internal organs. It is considered a non-essential amino acid (because the body naturally produces collagen) this makes ponmo a redundant protein but still a protein nonetheless, albeit the lowest and least nutritional. Due to this and its zero production of other amino acids, constant consumption can lead to excess collagen in the body which can pose health problems such as inflammation, damage to internal organs, scleroderma etc. This is why regulation of ponmo consumption is often advised.
Aside from its nutritional risk, the method of processing and production of ponmo is often subpar. The process of roasting or burning the skin exposes it to harmful chemicals like tyres, engine oil, fuel and many hazardous substances. This increases the risk of making the meat toxic. Another factor to consider is the environment the animals are preserved in. Some untrustworthy merchants Keep unsanitary pens, without proper health checks from veterinarians, this can lead to the animals running a risk of diseases or infections that can contaminate the meat.
Due to the long process and health complications it presents, ponmo is not a meat that is advisable to dabble with. Is it a source of food? yea, it sure is,q but a question you have to ask yourself is, is it worth the health risk that may come with it?
