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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.
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South African Preserved Pickle Carrots

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South African Preserved Pickle Carrots

Carrots are believed to have originated in Afghanistan. Carrots are now a popular vegetable grown all over the world, in South Africa; carrots have been an important vegetable crop for centuries.


South African Preserved Pickle Carrots

Carrots are grown all over South Africa cultivated in Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, East Rand, Pretoria, Greytown, Weenen and in the Reddersburg area in the Free State. The root is the edible part and the color of the roots varies from white, yellow, orange-yellow, light purple, deep red to deep violet.

Carrots are eaten fresh, processed, juiced and pickled. Preserved pickle carrots is an easy-to-follow delicious recipe.


South African Preserved Pickle Carrots


Ingredients

1 mason jar, medium size ball with cover
1 small bag of baby carrots
1 medium slice of fresh ginger
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 crushed clove of garlic
Enough white vinegar to cover carrots


Directions


Sprinkle carrots with salt and add to the mason jar along with ginger, seeds, and garlic. Cover with vinegar. Seal jar according to the ball instructions and let sit for at least two months before serving.

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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 →

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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.