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

Taking Love, Family and Kindness for Granted African Proverbs

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📁 African proverbs

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Occasionally we all are taken for granted. Igbo African proverbs teaching not to take family, kindness and love for granted. 



African proverbs teaching not to take family, kindness and love for granted.

By no means should anyone take family, kindness and love for granted, they are life's greatest and most fragile gifts. Love is the greatest gift; we can give to one another. Family is the greatest gift given to us. Kindness is the greatest gift we can give to the world.

"The bird with a long beak still cannot peck out anything on its own head." Igbo proverb meaning everybody needs somebody but if you take love, family and kindness for granted, you won't have anybody.


The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

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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.

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