Posts

Showing posts from April, 2012
Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

View citations →

Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Mozambique in Pictures

Image
Mozambique in Pictures Mozambique in Africa Officially the Republic of Mozambique, it is a former Portuguese colony located in Southeast Africa. Mozambique in Pictures Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture The historical sites of Mozambique from the Fort of São Sebastiãoto the Polana Church, to Sailing in Ilha de Moçambique and shopping in the numerous markets in Xai-Xai makes the African country of Mozambique a popular tourist destination.    The Fort of São Sebastião also known as the Tower of São Sebastião is a 16th century military design on the Island of Mozambique.     Market and cafe in the popular tourist town of Xai-Xai, Mozambique    Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique    African fabric blowing in the breeze of Mozambique Sailing in Ilha de Moçambique (The Island of Mozambique), Mozambique Market in Xai-Xai which is a popular city in the south o...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Maasai Cattle and Children Are Maasai Treasures

Image
Maasai Cattle and Children Are Maasai Treasures Maasai Cattle and Children Are Maasai Treasures Maasai tribes feel that their society has been given less thought and respect than that of wild animals. Cattle and children are an important aspect to the Maasai people. The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. Maasai own large herds of cattle, sheep, and goats which they follow around seasonally in search of new grazing grounds and water sources. Traditionally Maasai tribes have been an independent tribe. Cattle and children are an important aspect to the Maasai people. Cattle play a central role in the life of the Maasai. Cattle represent food and power; the more cattle a Maasai has, the richer he is and therefore the more power and influence he will have within his tribe. Individual, families, and clans established close ties through giving or exchange of cattle. While the Maasai ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Everyone Walks Around Naked Myths About Africa

Image
There many lies and myths about Africa and African people that are debunked but are still believed to be true. Africa is Dangerous. Africa is a continent with revolutions, child soldiers, and stolen children making the news almost every day, it is no wonder the myth about Africa being a dangerous place is a common. "If it bleeds it leads" of course, as we all know bad news sells papers, therefore you do not get to hear about the good things that happen in Africa unless you seek the positive stories out on your own. Given the size of the continent, it is not hard to see that there are many perfectly peaceful and safe places in Africa as well as places to avoid, just like any area across the world. There are people in every African country going to work every day, worshiping at church services, laughing with friends and family and watching their kids play soccer on the weekends. Africa is Full of Diseases. Diseases takes millions of lives every year in Africa because ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Krobo Tribe People and Glass Beads

Image
History of Krobo Ghana People and Beads There are five types of Krobo beads made in Ghana, recycled antique beads, recycled transparent beads, fine powder brads, painted beads, Bodom beads. Krobo Tribe People Glass Beads After learning about Ghana's Krobo people and beads follow step by step directions to make a beautiful endless, no-clasp Ghana glass beaded necklace. Krobo Tribe People of Ghana The Krobo people are a large ethnic group in Ghana. They are the largest group of the seven Dangme ethnic groups of Southeastern Ghana. The Ga-Adangbe people of the Krobo Mountain were originally wanders.  Krobo Mountain was a natural fortress that would defy the ascent of an army against the tribe. The people are supposed to consist of emigrants from the coast neighborhood of Ningo, Shai and Ada. The bulk of the people are today are primary trading in Krobo beads, printed cloth and employed in farming work, particularly in the growing of coffee, cocoa, and palm oil. This district conta...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

What are cowpeas, what is bitter leaf?

Image
What are cowpeas, what is bitter leaf? What are cowpeas, what is bitter leaf?  Cowpeas originated in Africa. The cowpea is also commonly referred to as black-eyed pea however; the bean is a variety of the cowpea. Cowpeas are an important staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpeas are a valuable source of vegetable protein, vitamins as well as valuable income.  Bitterleaf is a widely used cooking vegetable throughout Africa. Bitter leaf has a strong odor and a bitter taste. Yoruba people call bitter leaf Ewuro and the Igbo tribe Onugbu. The bitter leaf grows in a large range of biological zones in Africa, produces many leaves, and is drought tolerant. Here is an easy recipe for Spicy Vegetarian Cowpeas and Bitter Leaf Stew. Spicy Vegetarian Cowpeas and Bitter Leaf Stew Spicy Vegetarian Cowpeas and Bitter Leaf Stew Recipe Ingredients 2 cups dry cowpeas or black-eyed peas 2 scallions, chopped 3 handfuls of chopped bitter leaf 1 potato, c...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

List of African countries and languages spoken

Image
The top 10 most spoken languages in Africa in order are; Arabic, Kiswahili (Swahili), Hausa, English, Amharic, French, Oromo, Yoruba, Igbo and Zulu. There are thousands of languages spoken in Africa; over 2,000 in fact. Below is a list of African countries and their languages compiled by the World Factbook. Every language is a temple, in which the soul of those who speak it is enshrined. - Oliver Wendell Holmes List of African countries and languages spoken   Algeria Arabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber dialects: Kabylie Berber (Tamazight), Chaouia Berber (Tachawit), Mzab Berber, Tuareg Berber (Tamahaq)   Angola Portuguese (official), Bantu and other   African languages   Benin French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)   Botswana Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English (official) 2.1%, other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 cens...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Stewed Gizzards Nigerian Gizdo Recipe

Image
Stewed Gizzards Nigerian Gizdo Recipe What are gizzards? A gizzard is a stomach like organ that birds use to grind their food before they digest it. Gizzards are a good source of protein, high in iron and zinc but are high in fat and cholesterol. Classic way to prepare gizzards in Africa. Stewed Gizzards Nigerian Gizdo Recipe Nutrition Facts Calories 620 Fat 25g Saturated Fat 3.5g Sodium 1630g Protein 41g Nigerian Gizdo Recipe African Recipes by African Gourmet   Dodo gizzards or Gizdo is a popular Nigerian stew made with a delicious combination of gizzards and fried plantains.    Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 45 min Total time: 1 hour 5 min Ingredients 1 pound chopped chicken gizzards 2 yellow plantains, diced 1 white onion, chopped 1 bunch green spring onions, chopped 2 large red tomatoes, diced 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped 1 hot pepper, chop...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups and Economy

Image
About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy There are thousands of languages spoken in Africa; over 2,000. The top 10 most spoken languages in Africa in order are; Arabic, Kiswahili (Swahili), Hausa, English, Amharic, French, Oromo, Yoruba, Igbo and Zulu.  The languages spoken in Benin are French the official, Fon and Yoruba are most common in the south of Benin, and tribal languages there are at least six major ones in north Benin. The Republic of Benin  location in Africa L'Aube Nouvelle, The Dawn of a New Day is the African County Benin national anthem.  There are 10 million people living in Benin The population is primarily located in the south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the north remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations of residents in the west. Benin ethnic groups are: Fon and...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

From Cisterns to Clouds: Africa’s Ancient Water Wisdom and Today’s Fog Harvesting

Image
From Cisterns to Clouds: Africa’s Ancient Water Wisdom and Today’s Fog Harvesting From Cisterns to Clouds: Africa’s Ancient Water Wisdom and Today’s Fog Harvesting How historic water-retention practices—from stone cisterns to zai pits—inform the science of capturing water directly from fog in coastal deserts like the Namib. Fog is the Namib’s main freshwater source—nature’s airborne reservoir. What is Fog Harvesting? Fog harvesting is the practice of collecting freshwater from fog. Vertical mesh nets face the wind; as fog passes through, droplets collide with fibers, coalesce, and drip into a gutter, feeding storage tanks. It’s low-energy, low-maintenance, and ideal where rainfall is scarce but fog is frequent—like the Namib coast . Science in one line: When warm air meets the cold Benguela Current along Namibia’s coast, tiny droplets form a dense fog; mesh captures those droplets as usable water. Then and Now: Af...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Why African Healers Smear White Chalk During Ceremonies: Meaning, Materials, and Symbolism

Image
Why African Healers Smear White Chalk During Ceremonies White ritual chalk signals purity, protection, and a bridge to ancestral realms. Across the continent, white ritual chalk —often a soft white clay such as kaolin—appears on faces, arms, and torsos during healing, divination, and initiation. While names and details differ by culture, the core meanings echo: purification, spiritual protection, and ancestral connection . What is the “white chalk” used by healers? Most commonly it is a naturally occurring white clay or mineral pigment (frequently kaolin ), ground into a fine powder and mixed with water. Names vary by region and language—examples you may hear include efun (Yorùbá), pemba/mpemba (Kongo traditions), or white clay known in some Nguni communities as umcako . In other places, healers may also use ground shells or limestone-based chalk for similar ritual purposes. Why ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

Korea & Africa: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor’s Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.