Usage of Trona - Sodium Carbonate Mineral

 

(Nigerian names; Kaun, Kanwu, Akanwa, Kanwa, Akaun)

Regardless of what Trona is called in your region, this article will expose to you more than you think it is. Trona is a very common traditional ingredient used by African mothers in food preparation. 

Trona (trisodium hydrogendicarbonate dihydrate) is a mineral, water-soluble in nature. 

Kaun (trona) is wrongly called potash by some. Trona isn't potash. 

Benefits of Trona

1. Used in cooking to make meats and bones tender (soft or easier to chew)

2. Used in preparing African draw soups like Ewedu (Jute leaves) and Okra, as it enhances mucilage. 

3. It also enhances flavour in some other African soups like the Oyo's Gbegiri (Beans Soup). 

4. It can also be used in blanching of vegetables to enhance colour.

5. A source of micro nutrients like potassium, iron, sodium and calcium. 

6. It is also used in softening of water. 

7. It can serve as a pH modifier

8. It is used as a swimming pool chemical and electrolyte

9. Quite a number of chemical laboratories find it of great use in manufacture of products like glass, soap, paper etc. 

10. Trona is also used to produce Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda). 

Demerits of Trona

1. If applied on the skin may result in skin irritation. 

2. May cause serious disturbances to the respiratory system if inhaled. 

3. Too much of its consumption may be dangerous during early phase of pregnancy as it may induce uterine contraction, which might lead to abortion. 

In recent times, a number of African homes have been replacing Trona with Sodium Bicarbonate. It serves the same purpose as Trona too. Sodium Bicarbonate is produced from Trona. 

Thanks for reading!

Ensure you like and comment, your feedback goes a long way. 

Oluwadurotimi Okediji. 

Food, Nutrients and Health.

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References: 

1. https://funke-koleosho.blogspot.com/2017/11/understanding-nigerian-condiments-kaun.html?m=1

2. https://www.mclanahan.com/blog/the-mineral-we-eat-nearly-every-day

3. https://www.softschools.com/formulas/chemistry/sodium_carbonate_uses_properties_structure_formula/256/

4. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trona