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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.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

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

Maasai Wedding Jewelry

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Wearing gorgeous Maasai beaded wedding collars, bead working has a rich history among Maasai women on their wedding day. Bead working has a rich history among Maasai women. The Maasai community in East Africa is renowned for its unique and colorful jewelry, particularly among its women. This jewelry carries great cultural and symbolic significance and plays a crucial role in their traditions, ceremonies, and daily lives. Maasai brides wear an elaborate beaded wedding collar or   inkarewa on her wedding day. African jewelry, such as the inkarewa is created from a wide variety of materials, including beads, seeds, woods, gourds, bone, ivory, copper, and brass. Maasai Wedding Jewelry Generally, African jewelry is made from materials that are immediately available to the artist in their community. White beads created from clay, shells, ivory, or bone. Black and blue beads fashioned from iron, charcoal, seeds, clay, or animal horns. Red beads came from seeds, woods, gourds, bone, ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Top ten African countries with the highest electricity bills

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Two out of three people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. In economics the efficiency of electrification links technological progress. Electricity is all around us but two out of three people below the Sahara desert in Africa lack access to electricity. In economics, the efficiency of electricity and electrification links technological progress. Educational opportunities are restricted by daylight for 662 million people in Africa. Learn the truth about reliable affordable electricity in Africa. The period of reliable and affordable access to electricity for businesses and households in Africa will be one of the highest priorities for stable economic growth. In economics, the efficiency of electrification links technological progress. The African continent is gifted with fossil fuels and renewable energy resources however; nearly 662 million Africans lack access to electricity and a life without electricity is a life with limited opportunities.  Entrepreneurs ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Liberian Spicy Bitter Leaf Stew

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Vernonia amygdalina or Bitterleaf is a widely used cooking vegetable throughout Africa. Bitterleaf Stew is not bitter as suggested by the name but a delicious mix of beef, fish, chicken, pork, and shellfish served over fufu. Bitter leaf leaves alone have a bitter taste and are sold fresh or dried. The leaves are green with a robust odor and a bitter taste. The Yorubas call bitter leaf Ewuro and the Igbos Onugbu, every part of the plant is beneficial from the stem, leaves, and root. Liberian Spicy Bitter Leaf Stew African Recipes by African Gourmet. Liberian stews are unlike most recipes, Liberian stews are hearty stews that combine numerous meats, fish, and vegetables in one stew. Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 1 hour 15 min Total time: 1 hour 30 min. Liberian Spicy Bitter Leaf Stew ingredients and directions Ingredients 5 ounces of cubed beef 5 ounces of pork or pork sausage 2 skinless chicken thighs 3 smoked fish, flaked 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 1/4 cup palm oi...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 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.

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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.