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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Discovery of African Diamonds and the Zulu Clan

Discovery of diamonds in 1867 near the Vaal River in South Africa changed African Zulu life forever. The subsequent diamond rush and the establishment of diamond mining operations brought about profound changes to the social, economic, and political landscape of the region.

Before the discovery of diamonds, the Zulu people, under the leadership of their king, had a primarily agrarian lifestyle, relying on subsistence farming and cattle herding. The arrival of European diamond prospectors and the influx of migrant laborers seeking opportunities in the diamond mines disrupted traditional Zulu ways of life.

Learn about Africa’s powerful civilizations before Europeans.

The discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the Zulu Kingdom in 1879 fought the Anglo-Zulu War with the British Empire. The Zulu nation was defeated and blacks and diamond mines came under control Colony of Natal and later the Union of South Africa.

Many Zulu people were forced to work in the mines as laborers, leaving behind their agricultural pursuits and disrupting the social fabric of their communities. The colonial authorities and mining companies exerted control over the diamond fields, leading to the imposition of mining regulations, land dispossession, and the loss of traditional rights and practices.

The Zulu people, like other African communities, experienced the negative effects of colonialism, as their autonomy and sovereignty were eroded by the interests of the colonial powers and the mining industry.

Zulu Singer sewing machine advertisement card.

Changes in the Zulu Kingdom After the Discovery of Gold and Diamonds

The discovery of gold and diamonds in 1867 near the Vaal River changed Zulu life forever. The Zulu Kingdom, in 1879 fought the Anglo-Zulu War with the British Empire.British troops invaded the Zulu kingdom 5,000 strong, in January 1879 but within days the British were defeated by the Zulu warriors at the battle of Isandlwana.

Zulu warriors massacred around 1,350 British troops at their camp in the first days of the battle of Isandlwana. This was an early win, but the Zulu nation was eventually defeated and came under the control of the Colony of Natal and later to be named the Union of South Africa.

The capture of the Zulu leader Cetshwayo kaMpande who was the nephew of the legendary Shaka Zulu, in August 1879 ended the Anglo-Zulu war after 6-months of fighting.

Proud Zulu Clan

Twenty-six years later from May 1, 1893, to October 30, 1893, about 716,881 people attended the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The day also honored the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Forty-six nations participated in the expositions 6-month event.

The Columbian Exposition Midway’s featured a replication of a "Street in Cairo”. The "Street in Cairo," was one of the first amusement shows to introduce exotic dancing to America, needless to say, it was the most successful midway attraction in the exposition.

The Singer sewing machine advertisement card, which was distributed at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago 1893, depicts Zulu clan members dressed in British fashion, barefoot and seeming bond at the ankles. The Singer sewing ad is very different from independent semi-nomadic pastoralists of the Zulu nation just 30 years earlier.

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Garden eggs, what are garden eggs?

The garden egg gets its name from the small size of the eggplant and is roughly the same size as a chicken egg.
Garden Egg

Garden eggs in Africa are a vegetable grown in the subtropics and tropics popular in Central and West Africa.


Garden eggs in Africa are a vegetable grown in the subtropics and tropics. The name eggplant originates from the shape of the fruit. The leaves and fruits of eggplants are eaten boiled, steamed, pickled, or in soups and stews with eggplant leaves, other vegetables or meats.

Garden eggs, what are garden eggs? Garden eggs are a smaller variety of the eggplant that is highly cultivated and valued in most sub-Saharan African countries.

The garden egg gets its name from the small size of the eggplant and is roughly the same size as a chicken egg. In African Igbo society, the garden egg represents fruitfulness and good fortune.

The Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria traditionally welcome visitors into their homes by offering eggplant fruits customarily along with kola-nuts and seeds of alligator pepper.


Grilled Garden Eggs Recipe Ingredients and Directions.

1. Peel 4 garden eggs (or leave the skin on) and slice in half

2. Place garden eggs into a dish and season with salt and pepper and pour one tablespoon of olive oil over the eggplants.

3. Mix well and arrange the slices on a broiler and broil on each side for five minutes and serve warm.

Garden eggs are low in calories with about 35 calories in a one cup serving.


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=
What’s the difference between chutneys jellies and jams.

Chutneys, jellies, and jams are all types of spreads that are typically made from fruit or vegetables, but they differ in their texture, ingredients, and preparation method. 

Chutneys are savory and spicy condiments made from fruits or vegetables cooked with spices, vinegar, and sugar. 

Jellies are clear, translucent spreads made from fruit juice that has been cooked with sugar and pectin. 

Jams are soft, fruit-based spreads made from crushed or pureed fruit cooked with sugar and pectin. 

Chutneys are savory and spicy condiments that originated in India. They are typically made by cooking fruits or vegetables with a mixture of spices, vinegar, and sugar until they are reduced to a thick, chunky consistency. 

Chutneys often contain ingredients such as ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers, and they are commonly served as a condiment or dipping sauce for meats, cheese, or bread. 

 Jellies are made from fruit juice that has been cooked with sugar and pectin, a naturally occurring substance that causes the mixture to gel. 

The mixture is then strained to remove any solids, resulting in a clear, translucent spread with a smooth texture. Jellies typically have a firmer texture than jams and are made with fruit juice rather than whole fruit. They are often used as a topping for toast or crackers.

 Jams are made from crushed or pureed fruit that is cooked with sugar and pectin until it thickens and sets. Jams usually have a softer texture than jellies and contain small pieces of fruit or fruit pulp. They are often used as a spread for toast, pastries, or scones. 

16 Sweet and Delicious Easy All Natural African Chutney, Jam and Jelly Recipes 

 What makes jam and jellies solidify? Pectin is the substance that makes jellies and jams solidify however, this essential ingredient does not exist in all fruits. 

 Fruit that is slightly under-ripe contains more pectin than overripe fruits. In addition, the white inner skins of lemons are excellent for jelly and jam making and to supply pectin to other fruits however it has a bitter taste.

Sweet and Delicious Easy All Natural Chutney, Jam and Jelly Recipes

Easy All Natural Chutney, Jam and Jelly Recipes
Chutney, Jam and Jelly Recipes
Amount Of Water Needed For Cooking
Amount Of Sugar Needed For Jellying
Apples (sour is best)
Wash, discard any unsound portions, cut into small pieces. Include seeds skin and core
One-half as much water as fruit
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Apricots
Leave a few stones in for flavor.
For jam use just enough water to keep from burning
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of apricots for jam
Blackberries
Wash
1 cupful of water to 5 quarts of berries
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Blueberries
Wash
1 cupful of water to 5 quarts of berries
1 cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Cranberries
Wash
One-half as much water as berries
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Cherries (Pectin must be added for jelly making)
Pit the cherries for jam
For jam, use just enough water to keep from burning
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of cherries for jam
Grapes, unripe
Wash, do not stem; use stems
1 cupful of water to 5 quarts of grapes
1 cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Gooseberries
"head and tail," using scissors
1 cupful of water to 5 quarts of gooseberries
1 cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Peaches (Pectin must be added for jelly making)
Peaches, apples, and raisins make a delicious conserve
Just enough water to keep from burning
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Pineapples (Pectin must be added for jelly making)
Prepare as for table use
For jams, enough water to keep from burning
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Raspberries
Wash them thoroughly, but do not let them soak in the water
1 cupful of water to 5 quarts of berries
1 cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Rhubarb (Pectin must be added for jelly making)
Wash and cut into small pieces
For jam, half as much water as fruit.
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of juice
Strawberries (Pectin must be added for jelly making)
Wash and remove hulls.
For jam, just enough water to keep from burning.
¾ cupful of sugar to 1 cupful of pulp.
Oranges
For orange marmalade weigh oranges slice crosswise with a sharp knife as thin as possible; remove the seeds.
Cook in water to cover.
Three-quarters their weight in sugar.
Lemons
For marmalade 9 oranges and 6 lemons are a good combination
Cook in water to cover.
8 pounds of sugar
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is sliced very thin, seed removed.
Cook in water to cover.
Three-quarters their weight in sugar.

Chutneys are savory and spicy condiments made from fruits or vegetables cooked with spices, vinegar, and sugar. 

Jellies are clear, translucent spreads made from fruit juice that has been cooked with sugar and pectin. 

Jams are soft, fruit-based spreads made from crushed or pureed fruit cooked with sugar and pectin.

Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in many traditional cuisines, such as African, Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern.

Chickpeas are highly nutritious and offer a range of essential nutrients. They are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins such as folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, and minerals (including iron, magnesium, and potassium). These nutrients make chickpeas a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Chickpeas are widely consumed around the world, contributing to global food security and providing nourishment for millions of people. They are cultivated in various regions, including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Australia. This widespread cultivation and consumption help ensure a stable food supply and dietary diversity in many countries.

Chickpea Coriander Chicken with Greens

Chickpea Coriander Chicken with Greens

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken thighs

1 cup canned chickpeas

4 cups Swiss chard or kale or mustard greens

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 hot pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Water to cover

Directions

In a large pot add all ingredients except greens and cover with water. Cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Add greens and simmer another 10 minutes. Serve over rice or couscous.

About Chickpeas

Chickpea, scientifically called Cicer arietinum, is a widely consumed annual plant worldwide. This highly nutritious legume crop is considered one of the most cost-effective sources of protein. Chickpeas can be consumed in various forms, including raw, roasted, boiled, or processed into flour. Over the last decade, the export of chickpeas from East Africa has notably increased, thanks to the availability of the medium-seed kabuli variety that enables cultivation in subtropical and tropical regions of Africa.

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and used in various culinary preparations worldwide. They are a staple ingredient in traditional cuisines such as Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes. Chickpeas can be cooked and used in several dishes, including hummus, falafel, curries, stews, salads, soups, and even desserts. Due to their mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture, they are popular among vegetarians and vegans as a substitute for meat.

Chickpeas provide numerous health benefits due to their high fiber content, such as aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and maintaining healthy weight. Their dietary fiber also supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control. Chickpeas contain several antioxidants that contribute to their potential anti-inflammatory and disease-preventing properties.

Chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious plant that can be enjoyed in various forms worldwide! They're high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them great for heart health and weight management. 

More recipes you will find yummy. #Chickpeas #HealthyEating #PlantBased #HeartHealth #Fiber #Antioxidants

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Tilapia: Africa’s Native Fish and the World’s Second Most Popular Farmed Seafood

Tilapia is the common name for a group of mostly freshwater fish with nearly 100 species. Native to Africa, tilapia has become the second most farmed fish globally and one of the most traded seafood commodities in the world.

Did You Know?

Tilapia were once called the “fish of the Pharaohs.” Ancient Egyptians farmed tilapia more than 3,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known farmed fish in the world. Its ability to thrive in warm, shallow water made it an early aquaculture success long before modern fish farming.

Eating fish supports health in many ways. Tilapia is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides essential nutrients and is affordable for many families. Historically, tilapia has been a key part of small-scale fishing economies across Africa and is now central to aquaculture and aquaponics.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, tilapia remains vital for food security and income. It is still caught in rivers, lakes, and dams, but farming has expanded rapidly. Tilapia aquaculture production has grown at an average of 20% per year over the past decade, making it the fastest-growing aquaculture sub-sector.

Key Facts About Tilapia

  • Tilapia is mild-flavored, firm, and easy to cook by grilling, baking, or frying.
  • Native to Africa, now farmed worldwide in freshwater habitats.
  • Hardy and adaptable to different water conditions, making it ideal for aquaculture.
  • Fast-growing — can reach market size in about six months.
  • Often farmed using sustainable practices to reduce pressure on wild fish populations.
  • Rich in protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium while being low in fat.
  • Popular in African, Asian, and Latin American cuisines.

Recipe: Broiled Tilapia with Orange Sauce

This simple, fresh recipe is a quick way to enjoy tilapia at home.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium tilapia fillets
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill

Directions

  1. Combine salt and pepper; sprinkle evenly over tilapia fillets.
  2. Place on a broiler pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Broil for 11–12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Meanwhile, blend oranges, onion, vinegar, and dill until smooth. Serve sauce over fish with salad or brown rice.

Serve with homemade African-style chutney for extra flavor.

Did You Know?

Tilapia farming now generates millions of jobs across Africa. Countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana are leaders in aquaculture, helping improve food security and reduce dependence on imported fish.

More African Recipes and Food Stories

Chocolate Coffee Bread Recipe 

Africa is renowned for its rich contributions to the world of coffee and chocolate. The continent's diverse landscapes and favorable climates create ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee beans and cocoa. 

Ethiopia, often considered the birthplace of coffee, boasts a long history of coffee cultivation, with traditional coffee ceremonies being an integral part of its cultural heritage. Meanwhile, West African countries like Cรดte d'Ivoire and Ghana are major players in the cocoa industry, producing a significant portion of the world's cocoa beans. 

African coffee delights coffee enthusiasts with its distinct flavors, from fruity and floral notes to earthy undertones. In contrast, African cocoa adds depth and complexity to some of the finest chocolates globally, making Africa an indispensable cornerstone in the world of indulgence for coffee and chocolate connoisseurs alike.

  Coffee

Africa is famous for coffee and chocolate.

In addition to its rich history of coffee and chocolate, Africa's reputation as a prime producer of these beloved commodities continues to grow. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda have emerged as prominent coffee producers, known for their specialty coffee varieties that capture unique regional characteristics. 

The continent's coffee industry contributes significantly to the global coffee market and provides livelihoods for millions of African farmers and workers along the coffee supply chain. On the chocolate front, African nations are critical in supplying cocoa beans to some of the world's most renowned chocolate brands. 

The expertise of African cocoa farmers and the distinct terroir of cocoa-growing regions contribute to the exceptional quality of cocoa beans, laying the foundation for delectable chocolate creations enjoyed by chocolate enthusiasts worldwide. As African coffee and chocolate gain recognition for their exceptional flavors and ethical sourcing practices, the continent's influence on the global culinary landscape continues to flourish.

By Chic African Culture
African food chocolate and coffee recipe

Chocolate Bread Recipe

This one-bowl recipe for Delicious Chocolate Bread is incredibly easy to make, perfect for anyone who loves chocolate's rich, decadent taste. Infused with dark roasted coffee, this Chocolate Bread is simply divine, with its moist texture and delicious flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a delicious dessert to share with friends, this Chocolate Bread will impress.

Chocolate Bread Recipe

Serves 4 
African food recipe


Ingredients
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/3 a cup of granulated sugar
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 large egg
¼ a teaspoon of salt
1 cup of hot strong coffee
1 package yeast
¼ teaspoon of extract of cinnamon
½ a cup of cocoa powder
3 ½ to 4 cups of bread flour

Directions
Mix in the order given, having dough as soft as can be handled, turn onto a kneading surface, roll into a square about an inch thick, sprinkle on one-half cup of chocolate chips, fold the sides to meet the center, then each end to center, and fold again.

Roll as at first, using another half cup of chocolate chips, and roll and fold again. Place in a bowl that is set in a pan of warm water and let rise for forty minutes.

Shape, place in pan, and let rise until doubled in size. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. As you take it from the oven, brush the top with the white of one egg beaten with one-half cup of confectioners sugar.

Let it stand for five minutes. Then they are ready to serve.
 
Did you know?
Cocoa has always grown in many parts of the African tropics. The cacao-tree grows wild in the forests of tropical regions but is also one of the tender trees of tropical growth. Africa produces well over 65 percent of the world’s cocoa.

Explore more cocoa stories in the Chocolate Hub .

There are seven African countries that are on both sides of the Equator. The Equator passes about 4 miles south of the town Nanyuki in Laikipia County, Kenya.

The Equator passes about 4 miles south of the town Nanyuki in Laikipia County, Kenya.
An equator is an imaginary line around the
middle earth, seven African countries
 are on both sides of the Equator


An equator is an imaginary line around the middle earth. The equator is halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole at ‘0’ degrees latitude.

The equator divides the planet into a Northern Hemisphere and a Southern Hemisphere. Areas located on the Earth’s equator have the fastest sunrises and sunsets.

The time it takes for the sun to set and rise at the Equator is the fastest on Earth. The transition from day to night takes only a few minutes.

Kenya is slightly more than twice the size of the U.S. state of Nevada. Kenya is located in Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania. Nanyuki Kenya is sort of like the main office for people pursuing the adventure of climbing the highest mountain in Kenya.

Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano and is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa.

Seven African countries are on both sides of the Equator
 Equator  African countries

The seven African countries that are on both sides of the Equator:

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Gabon

Kenya

Republic of the Congo

Sao Tome and Principe

Somalia

Uganda



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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Proverbs of African people are the index of our lives.

African Proverbs- May the ancestors impart knowledge to you

Proverbs from Africa contain the essence of moral truth and practical lesson; they are drawn from real life and are generally the fruit of philosophy grafted on the stem of experience.

African proverbs express the ageless wisdom of the African culture.

Those who derive fun watching lunatics, out to have one as a child or relation to know the pains of it.
 A man who is trampled to death by an elephant is a man who is blind and deaf.
 Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped.
 One does not become great by claiming greatness.
 Rain beats a leopard's skin, but it does not wash out the spots. 

Clever sayings in the language of proverbs are passed down for generations in the African culture.

A fowl does not forget where it lays its eggs.
 The fish that can see that its water is getting shallower, cannot be stranded.
 The dog's bark is not might, but fright.
 What forgets is the ax, but the tree that has been axed will never forget.
 It is little by little that a bird builds its nest. 

African traditions express wisdom in an interesting way through proverbs cherished throughout the world.

A loose tooth will not rest until it's pulled out.
 Do a good deed and throw it into the sea.
 Time never gets tired of running.
 We are what our thinking makes us. 
A good swimmer is not safe against drowning.
African proverbs


Fish Salad a Healthy African Dinner in 30-minutes


Fish Recipe

Healthy Fish Salad for Lunch or Dinner



Africa’s largest lake is Lake Victoria and its longest river is the Nile. The nourishment and industry of millions of Africans rely on the fishing trade.


Fish Salad a Healthy African Dinner in 30-minutes

Fish Salad

Fish Salad



Ingredients


Amounts are your choice

Fish fillet any type, cooked
Red pepper
Curry
Salt
Lemon Juice
Lettuce
Green onions

Directions

Sprinkle fish with a few drops of lemon juice then add salt, curry and pepper. Garnish with green onions. Serve and enjoy a healthy meal.




Did you know?
Fish farming is a major business throughout the African continent.

Healthy Moroccan Sardine Recipe.

What is Peri-Peri Sauce?


Peri-peri is a hot sauce made from the African Bird's Eye chilie pepper or the spicy malagueta pepper. With roots in West and South African and Portuguese culture, peri peri is a delicious combination of sardines, hot peri peri sauce, and healthy vegetables. If you are someone who can't stand heat but still desires for flavor, depending on your tolerance for heat, a good peri-peri hot sauce can be one of the most versatile tools in your African recipe kitchen.

How to Make Healthy Moroccan Peri-Peri Sardine Stew Recipe.

Peri-Peri Sardine Stew Recipe


African recipes by Chic African Culture

Peri-Peri Sardine Stew  Recipe

Peri-Peri Sardine Stew is a traditional Moroccan African recipe made with sardines, hot peri peri sauce, and healthy vegetables.

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 40 min

Ingredients
Three 4 ounce cans sardine boneless, skinless sardines packed in olive oil, drained
1 onion finely chopped
2 medium white potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon palm oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce
1 chopped hot pepper
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt to taste

Directions
In a large pot over medium heat sautรฉ onion with palm oil until soft. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft; add sardines simmer 10 minutes more. Serve over rice.

Did you know?
Morocco has a large sardine fishery off the northwest African coast; it is currently divided into three stocks, northern, central and southern. The fishery is a mixed fishery for six small pelagic species sardine, mackerel, anchovy, sardinella and two species of horse mackerel.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Creams and injectable skin whitening products are popular in Africa despite the health risks, 77 percent of Nigerians use skin whitening products.

Skin-lightening creams and injections work by reducing or deactivating the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce melanin in the skin.

Nigerians are the highest users of skin-lightening products

Top five skin bleaching African countries fading dark skin to light skin on a regular basis.

77% of Nigerians

59% of Togolese

35% of South Africans

27% of Senegalese

25% of Malian from Mali

The World Health Organization has reported that Nigerians are the highest users of skin-lightening products; 77% of Nigerians skin bleaching products on a regular basis followed by Togo 59%, South Africans 35%, Senegalese 27%, and Malian 25%. Studies have found that men are also bleaching their skin. Some creams contain harmful steroids and other mercury.

Mercury is a common ingredient found in skin lightening soaps and creams. Mercury salts inhibit the formation of melanin, resulting in a lighter skin tone. Skin lightening soaps and creams are commonly used in certain African among dark-skinned populations.   

Skin lightening products come in different forms, including soaps and creams; the soap is often sold as antiseptic soap. These products are supposed to be applied to the skin to dry overnight.  It is reported that some women use skin-lightening products for as long as 20 years. 

The main adverse effect of the inorganic mercury contained in skin lightening soaps and creams is kidney damage. Mercury in skin lightening products may also cause skin rashes, skin discoloration, and scarring.

In shops and online injectable skin whitening products in Africa are formulated for injection into a vein or muscle or under the skin advertised to lighten the skin, correct uneven skin tone, and reduce blemishes.

Skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone and corticosteroids have potent side effects such as skin infection, scarring, thinning of the skin, and visible blood vessels in the skin, thyroid function impairment, kidney dysfunction, and liver damage.

Intravenous glutathione treatments or glutathione IV therapy has been used throughout Asia for decades and is now becoming popular in Africa to lighten skin. While in the USA or glutathione IV therapy is used for anti-aging to reduce wrinkles and boost immunity, but in Africa the treatment is used to even skin tone and become a shade lighter.

Mercury-containing skin lightening products are hazardous to health and as a result, have been officially banned in many countries throughout Africa. However, mercury-containing skin lightening products are still widely available on the Internet.  Also, these products are sometimes illegally smuggled into Africa and sold at local markets in towns and villages.  These soaps and creams may contain about 1-10% of mercury and just 1% of mercury levels pose a serious health hazard.

The amount or concentration of mercury in a product may be labeled on the packaging or in the ingredient list. However, companies selling products that contain mercury, do not always list it as an ingredient.  Names to look for include:

· Mercury

· Hg

· Mercuric Iodide

· Mercurous Chloride

· Ammoniated Mercury

· Amide Chloride Of Mercury

· Quicksilver

· Cinnabaris

· Mercury Sulfide

· Hydrargyri Oxydum Rubrum

· Mercury Oxide

· Mercury Iodide

· May Say Poison


Skin-lightening creams and soaps are popular in Africa despite mercury poisoning health risks.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desserts

Ivy, founder and author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the founder and lead writer of The African Gourmet. For over 19 years, she has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich culinary heritage and food stories from across the African continent.

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The African Gourmet is preserved as a cultural resource and is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.