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African Nzu - Clay for Pica/ Geophagia
£11.25
£17.45
Taxes included.
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Details
Nzu offers a classic Nigerian clay experience through its iconic salted and smoked kaolin balls. Firm, extremely crunchy, and lightly chalky, these white-grey spheres are hand-processed using traditional methods—ground, shaped, salted, and smoked to create their signature flavour. Each ball delivers an intense, satisfying crunch that breaks into a fine mineral powder, releasing subtle notes of clean earth, faint ash, and damp soil. A whisper of salt and the occasional natural root trace add rustic authenticity. While this batch carries slight grit, it remains a bold, textured favourite for those who crave a robust, traditional clay experience.
Size
Varies, approximately 1–3 cm in diameter
Weight
Available in 100 g and 250 g
Shape
Rounded balls
Colour
White to grey-white with a smoked, ashen appearance
Texture
Smooth exterior with a hard, crisp bite and slight chalky crumble
Crunch Factor
5 – Very hard and crunchy
Taste Profile
Chalky and clean, with subtle salty ash and hints of wet earth; may contain minor grit and rustic traces of natural root
Ingredients
100% Nzu (kaolin clay), salted and smoked
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Vendor
Earthy Crunch UK
Traditional Clay Origins
Nzu—also called Calabash Chalk or kaolin in many Nigerian communities—has been used for generations across West Africa in cultural, culinary, and traditional wellness contexts. Made by grinding natural kaolin, lightly salting it, shaping it into compact balls, and smoking it to achieve its distinctive flavour and hardness, Nzu is deeply rooted in heritage. Whether enjoyed for its sharp crunch, used in ritual practices, or consumed for its grounding mineral profile, Nzu remains one of the most recognised and culturally significant edible clays.
Uses
- Geophagia/Pica: Enjoy for its intense, chalky crunch and earthy, smoked mineral notes.
- Traditional Remedies: Commonly used in digestive, ritual, and cultural practices.
- Collecting: A classic Nigerian clay with iconic ball shaping and strong traditional roots.
Materials + Care
Storage Tips
To keep your clays and treats fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour, always store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture, humidity, and strong odours. Exposure to air or dampness can alter both texture and taste.
We highly recommend using our stash boxes, available on the website — designed specifically to protect and organise your clay collection with ease.
Handling Guidelines
- clean, dry hands
Fragility Disclaimer
All clay treats and terracotta pot products are handmade and naturally fragile, making them susceptible to breakage during delivery.
While we take great care in packing each item securely, minor cracks, chips, or crumbled pieces may occur. This is a natural part of working with handcrafted clays and does not affect taste or enjoyment.
Delivery + Returns
Tracked & Reliable Shipping
We offer fast, fully tracked delivery via Royal Mail to ensure your order arrives safely and on time.
Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor its journey every step of the way.
Breakage Policy
Our clay treats are naturally delicate and handmade, and despite our best efforts to pack them securely, some breakage is expected in transit.
Broken items are not eligible for refunds, as the flavour and enjoyment remain the same, even if the item arrives in pieces. Each parcel includes a wooden spoon to help you enjoy crumbs or powder just as easily.
Returns & Refunds
Due to the edible and handmade nature of our products, we do not accept returns or offer refunds, unless:
- wrong item, or
- missing items.
In such cases, please email us at info@earthycrunch.co.uk within 48 hours of delivery, along with clear photo evidence of the issue.
CONSUMPTION DISCLAIMER
This product is not food-grade and is intended for collection, sensory use, or crafting purposes only. While some members of the pica community may taste it, any consumption is entirely at your own discretion, and Earthy Crunch UK cannot be held responsible for any effects from ingestion.