Frequently Asked Questions
Naija Stew Base
Does Naija Stew Base contain any thickener or additives?
No. There are no thickeners, fillers, or artificial additives. The texture comes from real vegetables that have been dried and ground.
Why does it sometimes feel firm or clumped inside the pouch?
Any firmness or clumping is simply natural compression. Because the blend is made from fully dried vegetables with no anti-caking agents, the particles can settle and press together during storage or transport. This is not congealing. The product remains dry, so it hasn’t fused together. If needed, gently press the pouch or tap it against your hand or a surface to loosen it before use.
Is the firmness caused by moisture or spoilage?
No. When moisture is involved, products tend to harden into solid lumps that don’t break apart easily. With Naija Stew Base, any firmness comes from dry particles sitting closely together, not from moisture or the product going off.
Why does it thicken after I add water?
Bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions are naturally high in water when fresh, often close to 90% water content. When they are dried, that water is removed, leaving behind fibres and natural solids. Once you add liquid during cooking, the vegetables rehydrate and absorb moisture again. As they swell and release their natural structure, the stew base becomes thicker. This is a natural behaviour of genuine dehydrated produce, not the result of added thickeners.
Can I control how thick it becomes?
Yes. You control the texture by adjusting how much water or stock you add. Less liquid gives a richer, thicker base. More liquid keeps it lighter.
How long does rehydration take?
Initial softening begins within the first 10 minutes after adding water. Rehydration then continues gradually as the stew cooks and rests, allowing the genuine dehydrated vegetables to absorb more liquid and develop their full texture.
Is clumping a quality problem?
No. It is normal behaviour for ground dehydrated produce. Because the product is made from real vegetables and contains no anti-caking agents, some natural compacting can happen.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed, dry, and away from heat or steam. Always close the pouch properly after use to limit moisture exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
FlavourLift
What is FlavourLift?
FlavourLift is a premium, all-natural, all-purpose seasoning made from real vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is designed to build deep savoury flavour naturally without artificial enhancers.
Is FlavourLift MSG free?
Yes. FlavourLift contains no added MSG, no artificial flavour enhancers, and no fillers. The umami taste comes from real ingredients.
Is it low sodium?
FlavourLift is positioned as a reduced salt seasoning, not a low sodium product. The formulation gives you more control over how much salt ends up in your food.
What does “naturally umami rich” mean?
Umami is the savoury depth you taste in foods like mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions. FlavourLift uses real vegetables and spices to create that depth instead of synthetic additives.
How do I use it?
Use it during cooking to build flavour from the start. It works well with eggs, vegetables, rice and grains, meat and fish, soups and stews, sauces and marinades. It is not just a finishing sprinkle. It is made for cooking.
Does it replace salt?
Not completely. Think of it as a flavour builder that helps you rely less on plain salt while still getting a full taste.
Is it spicy?
No. FlavourLift focuses on savoury depth rather than heat. It enhances flavour without overpowering the dish.
Is it suitable for everyday cooking?
Yes. It was designed as an everyday seasoning you can reach for across different meals and cuisines.
What makes it different from regular stock cubes or seasoning powders?
Many seasoning products rely heavily on salt or artificial flavour enhancers. FlavourLift is built from real ingredients, with a cleaner profile and a more balanced taste.
Does it contain allergens?
FlavourLift is not made with any of the 14 major UK allergens and contains no allergenic ingredients.
However, some raw materials are sourced from suppliers that handle allergens, so cross-contact at source cannot be completely ruled out. Always check the label if you have severe allergies.
How should I store it?
Keep the tube tightly closed and store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and moisture. Proper storage helps preserve flavour and freshness.