Donate to Save Human History

The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

African Food Pantry Staples Ogbono Seeds

African Food Pantry Staples Ogbono Seeds

African food pantry staples will prepare you for whatever the kitchen throws at you to make soups and sauces



African Food Pantry Staples Ogbono Seeds

When you want to thicken African soups and sauces, there are many ingredients. African bush mango seed is made up of nearly 65% oil, the seed is really more oil than seed. 

Gabon chocolate, dika paste bread or Ogbono seeds are pounded to a chocolate buttery paste as an African pantry essential ingredient used in thickening and flavoring African soup and sauce recipes.




African Gabon Chocolate, Dika Paste, Ogbono seeds Recipe

Gabon chocolate also known as dika paste bread photo
African Recipes by

Gabon chocolate, dika paste bread or Ogbono seeds are ground into a chocolate butter like paste to thicken African soups and sauces. 

Prep time: Cook time: Total time:


Ingredients

½ cup African mango dried seeds


Directions

Add all ingredients to a coffee grinder and pulse until mixed well into a paste. Store refrigerated in plastic wrap (treat like butter). Leftover seeds may be stored at room temperature for up to 8 months.


Ogbono from the African bush mango seed is made up of nearly 65% oil


Did you know?
The dika nut is a nut of the dika tree species Irvingia barteri native to western Africa principally used for food and cooking oil.


How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

⋯ ✦ ⋯

Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions