Pomo (meat)

Pomo (also spelled ponmo or kpomo) is a Nigerian food made from processed cow skin.[1] It is widely consumed across Nigeria and is commonly used in soups, stews, and street food dishes.[2] Pomo is known for its chewy texture and ability to absorb the flavour of spices and sauces during cooking.[1]

Pomo prepared as an ingredient for soup

Etymology

The word ponmo originates from Yoruba. It traditionally means "cow skin".[2] Variations in spelling, such as pomo and kpomo, developed through regional pronunciation and usage in Nigerian English and Nigerian Pidgin.[3]

Preparation

The food is prepared from its raw material—cattle skin after hair removal, traditionally done by casting the skin on fire and then washed thoroughly.[1] It may then be cut into pieces and either boiled immediately or preserved through smoking or drying.

Different preparation methods exist across Nigeria.[3]

Legacy

Pomo is usually added to soups and stews.[2] Its peppered form is sold on streets and in restaurants.[1]

According to Public Health Nigeria, the meat-food contains collagen,[4] lower in fat but contains less protein.[3] Its nutritional defects has been a subject of debate by Nigerian health nutritionists, however, health officials has raised public awareness on the unsafe processing method employed by sole sellers.[5]

Following the outbreak of Anthrax, Nigerian government urged the citizens not to eat meat—including pomo.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Cow Skin: Solid Truths about Eating Cow Skin (Pomo)". 9jafoods. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "To Ban or Not To Ban? The Story of Ponmo, One of Nigeria's Most Cherished Delicacies". Legit.ng. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Questions On Cow Skin's (Ponmo) Nutritional Value Answered". FoodsNG. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Kpomo". Public Health Nigeria. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  5. ↑ "Eating Pomo Is Bad For Your Health – Expert". Pulse Nigeria. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  6. ↑ "Stop eating 'pomo', FG raises alarm over outbreak of Anthrax disease". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
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