{"product_id":"west-african-ayilo-unsmoked-clay-for-pica-geophagia","title":"West African Ayilo (Bentonite) - Clay for Pica\/ Geophagia","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"234\" data-end=\"1043\"\u003eAfrican Ayilo is a traditionally prepared edible bentonite clay from Ghana, recognised for its bold earthy flavour, smoky depth, and distinctly rustic texture. Also known as \u003cem data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"415\"\u003eshile\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"424\"\u003ehyile\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"437\"\u003eferinkasa\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"452\"\u003eagatawoe\u003c\/em\u003e depending on region and language, Ayilo is mined primarily in Ghana’s Volta Region, then shaped and baked — often smoked — to produce its characteristic solid form. The initial bite is crunchy and gritty, delivering a strong earthy impact before gradually breaking down. As it dissolves, the clay can soften into a milder, slightly creamy or nutty finish, offering contrast to its robust opening. Flavour-forward and unapologetically grounded, Ayilo is best suited to experienced clay enthusiasts who appreciate intense, traditional West African profiles rather than refined or silky melts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1055\"\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1091\"\u003eVaries, traditionally formed pieces between 5.5-7cm (current batch 6cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003eAvailable in 100 g and 250 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eShape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003eTraditional hand-formed pieces (often egg-like or rounded)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1220\"\u003eColour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003eWhite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1241\"\u003eTexture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1453\"\u003eCrunchy and earthy with a gritty bite; may contain sandy or stone-like particles depending on batch. Breaks down from a firm crunch into a softer, sometimes creamy or nutty finish. Rustic and variable by nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003eCrunch Factor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1475\" data-end=\"1529\"\u003e2 – soft to medium break with a dusty, crunchy crumble\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1550\"\u003eTaste Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1710\"\u003eStrong earthy and mineral-forward flavour with pronounced smokiness, chalky undertones, and subtle sour or tangy notes reminiscent of damp soil and baked earth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1729\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1757\"\u003e100% natural bentonite clay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1782\"\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1788\"\u003eGhana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1802\"\u003eVendor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003eAfrican Clay Distributor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1859\"\u003eTraditional Clay Origins\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"2424\"\u003eAyilo is a traditional Ghanaian bentonite clay with deep cultural significance across several West African communities. Known by various regional names, it is typically baked or smoked during preparation, giving it its distinctive earthy–smoky profile. Historically used in cultural practices including geophagy, body art, and ritual applications, Ayilo reflects a strong connection to land and tradition. Its gritty texture, bold flavour, and variable character are part of its heritage, making it one of the most distinctive clays within West African traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2436\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2821\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2568\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2568\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2460\"\u003eGeophagia \/ Pica:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chosen by experienced enthusiasts for its gritty crunch, smoky earthiness, and traditional baked profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2569\" data-end=\"2673\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2673\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2592\"\u003eSkin \u0026amp; body care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commonly used in masks or body applications, often mixed with oils or butters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2821\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2821\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2691\"\u003eCollecting:\u003c\/strong\u003e A culturally significant Ghanaian clay with bold texture and heritage value, ideal for traditional and advanced clay collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Earthy Crunch UK","offers":[{"title":"4 Pieces (Up to 120g)","offer_id":53053124084039,"sku":"0301010020","price":5.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Pieces (Up to 250g)","offer_id":53053124116807,"sku":"0301010021","price":11.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6080\/8775\/files\/1_4ca58f77-9837-4ae0-ac26-1dd29bd73f13.png?v=1767295742","url":"https:\/\/earthycrunch.co.uk\/products\/west-african-ayilo-unsmoked-clay-for-pica-geophagia","provider":"Earthy Crunch UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}