Gongoli is a dried vetiver root, sold in pieces and traditionally prepared as a decoction in Côte d'Ivoire. This 100 g NKOSI bag is prepared by boiling the pieces in water before straining the resulting drink. In other regions of West Africa, the same root is also called khamaré.
What is gongoli?
Gongoli is the name given in Côte d'Ivoire to the dried root of vetiver, a herbaceous plant of the grass family. In other West African countries, the same root is called khamaré. Vetiver is known elsewhere in the world for its aromatic roots used in perfumery; in West Africa, these same roots are traditionally prepared as a decoction. The pieces sold here are dry, of natural colour, with no further processing.
How to use it?
Rinse the root pieces, then boil them in water for fifteen to twenty minutes to obtain a decoction. Let it steep off the heat for a few minutes, strain, then serve hot or warm. Allow one handful of pieces per litre of water, roughly, adjusting to taste: the longer the boiling, the stronger the decoction.
What to pair it with?
Gongoli is one of the traditional roots and infusions of Côte d'Ivoire. Find other seeds and roots from the country in the exotic cereals and seeds collection, or the whole of Ivorian cuisine in the catalogue.
Product information
- Brand: NKOSI
- Net weight: 100 g bag
- Ingredients: dried vetiver root
- Allergens: refer to the label of the product received
- Origin: Côte d'Ivoire
- Storage: away from moisture and light, in a well-sealed container



