The biting economic reality and the rising cost of fresh produce have forced a return to an old market habit across Nigeria. Many families, struggling to keep up with the high price of tomatoes and the logistical nightmare of erratic power supply, are once again turning to pre-boiled tomato and pepper mixes sold in local markets.
Findings by Reports reveal that this “tomato mix” typically consists of a blend of fresh tomatoes, habanero peppers, and onions, which are processed into a paste and boiled down to a thick consistency. Once cooled, the mixture is portioned into small cellophane sachets and sold at affordable price points, usually ranging from N200 to N500. This trend, which many thought had been phased out by modern blenders and improved food hygiene awareness, is seeing a massive resurgence.
Mrs. Ramota Abdul, a vegetable seller, explained that she reintroduced the pre-boiled paste to her business as a direct response to the energy crisis. With electricity being nearly non-existent in many areas and the skyrocketing price of fuel making petrol-powered grinding machines expensive, many residents can no longer blend their own ingredients at home. She noted that while she initially had doubts about patronage, she now sells up to a full basket of the paste daily. To add variety, she even offers versions infused with ginger, turmeric, and garlic to save busy homemakers even more time in the kitchen.
For some consumers, the return of this trade is a welcome relief. Mrs. Rolake Daudu, a Lagos-based trader, recalled growing up with “ata lilo” (blended paste) being a staple on the streets. She admitted that the convenience has helped her manage her daily routine, often buying up to N10,000 worth of the paste to store in her freezer. According to her, the quality offered by some vendors remains high, using fresh ingredients that are boiled until the water content is completely gone, making it ready for immediate frying.
However, the revival of this trade has not come without concerns regarding food safety and hygiene. While many appreciate the problem-solving nature of the business in a city plagued by fuel and power issues, some remain skeptical. Mrs. Grace Amedu, a clothing vendor, observed that while she saw large crowds of students and parents patronizing these stalls, she remains cautious. She pointed out that in years past, the trade gained a bad reputation because some sellers used “shombo” or rotten tomatoes to mask the quality of the paste.
As the economy continues to fluctuate, it is clear that Nigerians are finding creative, albeit traditional, ways to adapt. For now, the boiled tomato sachet has transitioned from a forgotten relic of the past to a essential lifeline for many households trying to balance their budgets and their time.
