In an apparent bid to cope with soaring tomato prices, many Nigerian households have returned to the once-common practice of buying boiled tomato mix.
Economy & Lifestyle findings reveal that the mix is prepared by blending tomatoes, habanero peppers, and onions into a paste, which is then boiled, cooled, and packaged in cellophane sachets for sale at prices ranging from N200 to N500.
Mrs. Ramota Abdul, a vegetable seller, said she introduced the boiled tomato mix to her business due to persistent electricity shortages and rising fuel costs that make home blending difficult.
“For months, we’ve had no electricity. The increase in fuel prices has also made blending ingredients costly. My vegetable business has been slow, so I saw an opportunity to sell boiled tomato paste to support my bills,” she explained. “At first, I thought people wouldn’t patronize it, but demand was high. Sometimes I sell up to a basket a day.”
Mrs. Abdul also offers variations of the mix, including versions laced with ginger, turmeric, and garlic. She noted that the trade had declined in recent years due to hygiene concerns, the quality of ingredients, and the widespread adoption of household blenders, as well as disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For many customers, the product provides convenience. Mrs. Rolake Daudu, a trader, recounted her experience: “I grew up buying ‘ata lilo’ (blended tomato paste) in Lagos. Recently, it resurfaced, and it has helped me a lot. I buy N6,000 to N10,000 worth of paste from a local seller, portion it into freezer bags, and use it whenever I cook. Some sellers even provide shredded versions.”
Similarly, Mrs. Grace Amedu, a clothing seller, observed the renewed popularity of boiled tomato paste in her local market. “Students, mothers, and men were all crowding the seller. It’s convenient for people dealing with electricity and fuel challenges,” she said.
However, consumers remain cautious about hygiene. Mrs. Amedu added: “In the past, some vendors blended spoiled or soured tomatoes with fresh ones. Anyone selling this product must maintain excellent hygiene to ensure safety.”
The revival of boiled tomato mix demonstrates how households and small businesses are adapting to rising food costs and infrastructure challenges, providing a practical solution for busy Nigerians who struggle with electricity shortages and high fuel prices.
