Dried locust beans are the whole, sun-dried seeds of the African locust bean tree, valued for their deep, savory taste. Commonly used in West African cooking, they are soaked, boiled, or fermented into iru/dawadawa and added to soups, stews, sauces, and seasoning mixes to enhance aroma and umami. Sold loose or bagged; store in an airtight, cool, dry place.