Teff Banana Nut Bread Recipe

 

African recipes by African Gourmet 

Teff flour is a finely ground whole grain flour popular in Ethiopian cooking. Our moist and delicious classic banana bread recipe made with teff is a unique tasting easy to make African recipe. 

Prep time: 15 min 

Cook time: 45 

Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups teff flour

2 very ripe bananas

½ cup unsalted walnuts

½ cup of chopped dates

2 large eggs

1 cup of white sugar

1 stick unsalted butter

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and sugar, mix in eggs and bananas and add all dry ingredients to wet, including nuts and fruits, and mix well. Pour into 2 buttered and floured bread loaf pans and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Teff grows mainly in the African countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea and is slowly becoming popular in the USA?

Teff grass in Africa and the United States 

Teff is a staple crop in Eritrea and Ethiopia where it is a native annual grass species but is not widely known around the world. The very small seeds are cooked or fermented and have good nutritional content. 

Teff grass is a warm-season annual grass traditionally used as a grain and forages in Ethiopia it is adapted to the high-altitude tropics growing well at temperatures 50 to 85° but requires an 11 to 13 hours to flower. Teff grass was introduced to the United States in the late 50s early 60s but still largely remains unknown. 

In the USA, teff grass is getting a lot of popularity as a late and for some very good reasons. Farmers in Oklahoma, Texas and New England were trying to look for alternative ways to make up for a fodder grazing and hay shortage. 

Teff grass is a warm-season grass with a very fine stem super high-quality hey type product. Horse people love teff grass because of his extreme palatability. Because of its fine stem, Teff grass needs to have at least 65 to 70 degrees soil to plant. 

The seed size is very tiny so you cannot plant very deep or it's not going to grow. It grows extremely well in the heat has exceptional drought tolerance. Teff is a rapid drying grass, unlike sorghum. 

Teff grass grows so well in optimal conditions, in 23 days the grass can grow 20 inches tall. To see if Teff grass is going to be major forage crop in the USA, well it depends on how the market responds. 

Farmers in the United States may be new to planting Teff however in other parts of the world it has been around for thousands of years. Teff is believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 and 1000 BC; the seeds were discovered in a pyramid and 3359 BC. 

Since then the seeds have been widely cultivated and is used not only in Ethiopia but in neighboring African countries as well. Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Djibouti use Teff grass to make flour. Teff flour can be used in a number of things such as cereal, bread, cookies, and other snacks. 

Today I hope you learned how to make Banan Nut Teff Bread with the African Gourmet. You can use water in your recipe but you can use flat beer, specifically dark beer for a nice rich flavor.

More economical easy lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Yedoro Stir Fried Ethiopian Chicken Dinner
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
5. Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

Namib Desert Wild Horses — Mystery, War, and Survival

Namib Desert wild horses near the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

Namibia’s Namib Desert hides one of Africa’s most unexpected secrets — wild horses that thrive in one of the driest places on Earth. Horses were not native to southern Africa, yet for over a century a hardy herd has roamed the dunes near ghost towns left behind by colonial mining. Their mysterious past is filled with wartime chaos, abandoned farms, and desert survival.

A Desert Older Than Time

The Namib Desert is one of the world’s oldest and largest deserts. Once home to rich German diamond mining towns like Kolmanskop, today it’s a windswept landscape of sand, silence, and the occasional tourist — and the legendary Namib wild horses.

Theories About the Wild Horses’ Origin

The Namib Desert’s wild horses shouldn’t exist — horses were introduced to southern Africa only in the colonial era. Over time, several theories have tried to explain how these desert survivors began:

• World War I Horses Left Behind: Around 1914, Union of South Africa troops camped at Garub near Aus while German forces bombed from nearby hills. Troops may have abandoned horses when they advanced, leaving animals to fend for themselves.
• Emil Kreplin’s Lost Stud Farm: Emil Kreplin, Lüderitz’s mayor (1909–1914), bred over 2,000 work and racehorses. Drafted into war and ruined financially, he left behind unclaimed horses that scattered into the desert.
• Mining & Railway Horses Gone Wild: Horses once used for diamond mines and the railway water stop at Garub may have escaped or been released when the area was abandoned.

Whatever their true story, the Namib horses have survived for generations, adapting to harsh droughts, scarce food, and extreme heat — becoming a desert breed in their own right.

Where to See the Namib Desert Horses Today

The main herd gathers at the Garub Pan water trough near Aus, maintained by Namib-Naukluft Park. Once built to refill steam locomotives, the well now supports the horses and provides a scenic viewing area for visitors. A small shelter lets travelers watch and photograph these resilient animals safely.

Did You Know? The Namib wild horses can survive days without drinking, and their herd numbers fluctuate depending on drought and food availability.

Why They Matter

The Namib horses symbolize resilience and adaptation — but they also remind us of how colonial history and war can shape Africa’s landscapes. They’ve become a living piece of Namibia’s identity, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

Fun Fact: Some scientists consider the Namib horses a unique desert-adapted breed because they’ve thrived wild for over 100 years.

Related Reading

• Why Natural Resource Wealth Often Fails Africa
• African Minerals and Global Supply Chains Explained
• What Do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
• Indigenous Healers and Traditional Plant Medicine

Share this story if you love wildlife mysteries and believe Africa’s hidden history should be celebrated.

South Africa has an almost 80% Black-African ethnic group and the majority of South Africans practice the Christian faith.

Many Christians in South Africa celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The Easter weekend in South Africa begins with Good Friday and closes with Family Day, more commonly known as Easter Monday, on Monday, April 6, 2015, this year. 

On December 7, 1994, Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress worked together to create The Public Holidays Act. In 1994, the South African Government renamed Easter Monday to Family Day to include all religions and the non-religious in the Rainbow Nation of South Africa. 

South Africa's homeland policy was dissolved in 1994 and all the homelands in the country were absorbed into South Africa.

The former Republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei were also known as homelands or Bantustans that were supposedly created to allow Black South Africans to govern themselves, but in reality, denied any opportunity to participate in South African politics by losing their South African citizenship.

Post-apartheid in 1994, South Africa has a government including all races and is often referred to as the rainbow nation which is a phrase coined by 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu. 

South Africa has an almost 80% Black-African ethnic group and the majority of South Africans practice the Christian faith; Protestant 36.6%, Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, non-religious 15.1%.

Did you know?
The Public Holidays Act of 1994 repealed the Public Holidays Act of 1976, of the former Republic of Transkei homeland, Public Holidays Act 1978 and 1979 of the former Republic of Bophuthatswana homeland, Public Holidays Act 1980 of the Republic of Venda homeland and Public Holidays Act 1981 of the former Republic of Ciskei homeland. 

Make Peanut Butter Okra Stew Together.

Okra is a popular vegetable which originated from present-day Ethiopia in Africa. Stewed African Okra Soup is made with peanut butter, tomatoes, corn and spices to create a flavorful filling soup the entire family will love.

Get this easy-to-follow Stewed African Peanut Butter Okra side-dish from the African Gourmet. Okra is a popular vegetable which originated from present-day Ethiopia in Africa.

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20
Total time: 40 min

Ingredients
2 cups of fresh or frozen okra
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup canned whole kernel corn
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons palm oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flake
1 tablespoon peanut butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups vegetable broth or water

Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté palm oil and onions until the onions become translucent, about 2 minutes. Add green onions and mix well. Add tomatoes and dry seasonings. Cook about 10 minutes. Add okra, corn, peanut butter and broth, cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Serve over rice or as a side dish.

How do you cook okra?

Young okra seed pods are eaten steamed or boiled, as a vegetable or in stews and curries. Seeds from mature pods must be cooked to make them safe to eat, and then pounded into a paste rich in protein. Use okra leaves to flavor stews and soup. The fruit and leaves can be put into stews and soup. 

Okra can be fried using cornmeal, eggs, fresh okra and spices fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. Okra and tomatoes are in season at the same time and the acidity in tomatoes counteracts the sliminess of okra. 

Gumbo is a famous New Orleans dish using okra as the main ingredient. Just remember, when preparing, remember that the more it is cut, the slimier it will become.

Are there different varieties of okra?

Okra is also called bhindi, gumbo and lady's finger. Some of its cousins are also food: the cassava-like leaves of a West African variety (A. manihot), the aromatic seeds of another East African variety (A. moschatus), and the succulent fruit and sour leaves of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). 

Popular okra varieties in the United States are the Clemson variety dark green with angular pods. This okra takes less than two months to mature. Emerald type is dark green, with smooth round pods. Lee is a spineless type known by its deep bright green, very straight angular pods. 

Annie Oakley is a hybrid, spineless kind of okra with bright green, angular pods. It takes less than two months from seeding to maturity. 

Chinese okra is dark green in color and reaches 10 to 13 inches in length. These extra-long okra pods are sometimes called ladyfingers. Purple okra a rare variety you may see at peak times. They are all grown in the same way.

Are okra and cotton plants related?

Yes, they are, as a member of the Malvaceae or Mallow family, okra is related to cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus plants. Other related plants are the marshmallow, African-queen, fan leaf, wild hollyhock, checkerbloom and wissadula. Another interesting fact about okra is the ripe seeds of okra are sometimes roasted and ground as a substitute for coffee.

African food recipes are easy to make at home.

More economical easy lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Yedoro Stir Fried Ethiopian Chicken Dinner
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
5. Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

About The Gambia: Name and Unique Facts

Yes, it is officially true — the The belongs in front of Gambia since 1964.

The Permanent Committee on Geographical Names says: "A letter dated May 1964 from the Gambian prime minister's office instructed that The Gambia should be used with a capital T. One of the reasons was to avoid confusion with Zambia, which was a new name to the international community at the time."

Interesting Facts About The Gambia

1. The official name is Republic of The Gambia.

2. The Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1965.

3. The Gambia is Africa's smallest mainland country — 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).

4. The Gambia is geographically surrounded by Senegal.

5. From 1982–1989 The Gambia and Senegal formed Senegambia.

The Gambia banned gambling March 1, 2015.

6. The 1,130 km (700 mi) long Gambia River runs through the country — ferries and wooden pirogues often cross into Senegal.

7. Peanuts dominate agriculture — about 75% of the population relies on farming, while tourism is a major West African market.

The Gambia’s capital city is Banjul.

8. The median age of nearly 2 million Gambians is just 20.2 years old.

9. Gambling was banned in 2015 to prevent youth addiction.

10. Main ethnic groups: Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, others 4%.

11. Religion: Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%.

12. In 2015 Yahya Jammeh renamed it Islamic Republic of The Gambia; in 2017 President Adama Barrow restored Republic of The Gambia.

13. National symbol: the lion. Anthem: For The Gambia, Our Homeland.

14. Administrative divisions: Banjul city + Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western regions.

15. The flag — red, blue with white edges, green — represents sun and savannah, Gambia River, and agriculture; white stands for peace and unity.

The Gambia flag.

FAQ — The Gambia Name and History

Why does The Gambia include “The” in its name?

In 1964, the Gambian prime minister requested the use of “The” to avoid confusion with Zambia and to maintain a distinct identity on the world stage.

Is The Gambia Africa’s smallest country?

The Gambia is Africa’s smallest mainland country at just 11,295 km², though island nations like Seychelles are smaller overall.

What is The Gambia’s main crop?

Peanuts dominate The Gambia’s agriculture, employing most rural families and historically powering the country’s export economy.

When did The Gambia gain independence?

The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 18, 1965, and became a republic in 1970.

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Home › Explore Africa › African Witchdoctors, Sangoma, Nyanga and Traditional Healers

African Witchdoctors, Sangoma, Nyanga and Traditional Healers

Note: “Witchdoctor” appears in popular usage; in policy and cultural practice, traditional healer is the accurate term. This article keeps the familiar headline for reader recognition while clarifying correct usage within the text.

Roles and Meanings in Southern Africa

In Zulu and other Southern African societies, a sangoma is a respected spiritual diagnostician and counselor; a nyanga is an esteemed herbal specialist. Together, they address questions of health, luck, love, dream interpretation, sexual concerns, and business decisions. Their practice is embedded in communal ethics, ancestral reverence, and responsibility to patient well-being.

Although the word witchdoctor is sometimes used colloquially, it is inaccurate and stigmatizing. Governments, communities, and health organizations employ the term traditional healer to reflect legitimate, living knowledge systems.

Community-based care with traditional healers remains part of everyday life across Africa.

Health, WHO Framing, and Holism

The World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being—not only the absence of disease. That holistic view aligns closely with African concepts of harmony between person, community, ancestors, and the natural world. In many regions, traditional healing provides trusted, accessible care, especially in rural areas.

Training, Divination, and Herbal Knowledge

Men and women undertake extensive training; an apprentice sangoma is called an itwasa. Diagnostic divination may include casting bones, shells, and other objects to interpret causes and remedies. The nyanga’s pharmacopeia draws on local plant knowledge; prayer and ancestral mediation (amadlozi) orient the work toward moral duty and community care.

Bone casting: interpreting patterns to guide diagnosis and action.

Ethics and Mislabeling

A true healer does not harm. Conflating traditional healing with malice or criminal acts can erase ethical codes and community safeguards. At the same time, public conversation must address exploitation where it occurs, just as with any health sector. The Traditional Healers Organization (THO) and similar bodies organize training and certification.

Tanzania, Albinism, and the Politics of Protection

In 2015, Tanzania banned “witchdoctors” and unlicensed traditional practitioners to curb violence against people with albinism and others accused of witchcraft. These attacks—and the illicit trade in body parts—are grave human-rights abuses. Acknowledging this reality is essential while also distinguishing it from legitimate traditional healing.

People with albinism have been targeted due to superstitions about charms and “good luck.” Advocacy, education, law-enforcement action, and community leadership remain central to ending such harm while preserving ethical, community-rooted healing knowledge.

Public protest: communities mobilize to end violence and protect human dignity.

Claims and Caution

Advertisements sometimes promise unrealistic outcomes—lost-love returns, instant wealth, or guaranteed legal success. Communities and regulators routinely challenge such claims. Patients should seek informed consent, referrals when appropriate, and transparent pricing—just as in any health system.

Ethical practice centers on care, consent, and non-harm.

Related Reading on The African Gourmet

• Indigenous healers and medicinal plants — field uses and cultural frameworks.
• African medicinal plant collection — reference hub for species and uses.
• Night running: belief, illness, or magic? — belief, art, and social control.
• Throwing Mud African Proverb — ethics, dignity, and community responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sangoma and nyanga the same?

No. Sangoma focus on spiritual diagnosis and counseling; nyanga specialize in herbs and materia medica. Roles can overlap in practice.

Why is “witchdoctor” considered inaccurate?

It conflates healing with malice and obscures ethics and training. “Traditional healer” better reflects community reality and policy usage.

How do traditional healers diagnose illness?

Methods include history-taking, observation, dream work, divination (e.g., bone casting), and cultural assessment of social and spiritual factors.

What about harm and exploitation?

Communities condemn harm. Regulation, education, and certification (e.g., THO) support ethical practice; abuses should be prosecuted.

Why include the Tanzania albinism section?

To distinguish legitimate healing from human-rights abuses linked to superstition and illicit markets, and to foreground protection and dignity.

© Chic African Culture • The African Gourmet

The amaranth plant is an ancient food crop, with cultivation dating back as far as 6700 BC.

Cooked Amaranth leaves are eaten as vegetables, soups, stews and relishes. Leaves and young plant stems are cooked in Kenya and throughout Eastern and Southern Africa as spinach. Kenyan Ukwaju or Kenya tamarind is a sour tasting paste used as a spice. 

Amaranth leaves have a mild flavor and when paired with another local favorite, Ukwaju Kenyan Amaranth Ukwaju Fish Soup makes delicious satisfying African meal. 

Kenyan Amaranth Ukwaju Fish Soup

African Recipes by The African Gourmet 

Kenyan Ukwaju or Kenya tamarind is a sour tasting paste used as a spice. Amaranth leaves have a mild flavor and when paired with Ukwaju, Kenyan Amaranth Ukwaju Fish Soup makes delicious satisfying African recipe. 

Ingredients
1 pound red snapper fillets 
2 large handfuls amaranth or spinach leaves 
1/2 cup tamarind juice 
1 tablespoon tamarind paste 
1 large red onion, chopped 
2 tablespoons tomato paste 
1 teaspoon shallots, chopped 
1 teaspoon onion salt 
1 teaspoon onion powder 
1 teaspoon garlic powder 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 
2 tablespoons salted butter 
4 cups fish stock or water 

Directions

Add all ingredients except amaranth or spinach leaves into a large pot and simmer 30 minutes. Add leaves simmer 5 minutes and serve.

Ostrich Frikkadels spaghetti and meatballs recipe

Chic African Culture

Frikkadel is the Afrikaans word for a meatball and ostrich is very popular meat eaten in Southern Africa.

Ostrich meat is very lean with very low-fat content and is healthier red meat. Frikkadel ostrich meatballs is a very versatile recipe used for spaghetti and meatballs, stews, sandwiches and in any of dish as a substitute for beef.

Ostrich Frikkadels Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground ostrich meat

1 onion finely chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon minced fresh mint

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs

Directions:

In a large bowl mix all ingredients well and form into equal size balls. In a large frying pan set to medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil cook covered 5 minutes and uncovered 10 minutes until cooked through. Serve as an appetizer, a meatball sandwich with homemade barbeque sauce or as spaghetti and meatballs.

What does ostrich taste like

Ostrich meat tastes like beef and is used for frying, stewing, sautéing or in any of dish as a substitute for beef.

More easy breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Ethiopian Scrambled Egg Breakfast
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Chadian Steamed Honey Cassava Buns
5. Nigerian Breakfast Fried Akara and Ogi

Garlic Butter Potbrood

South Africa’s classic fire bread — baked in a cast-iron pot over braai coals. Crispy crust, soft garlic-butter centre, the taste of every South African childhood.

The cast-iron pot bread that belongs on every braai.

The Tradition

Potbrood (pot bread) is cooked directly in a flat-bottomed cast-iron pot (potjie) over low coals or an open fire. The heavy lid traps steam for a perfect rise and the coals give that unmistakable smoky flavour. No South African braai is complete without it.

Garlic Butter Potbrood Recipe

• 500 g self-rising flour (or all-purpose + 3 tsp baking powder)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 300 ml lukewarm water (approx.)

Method

1. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, garlic salt, and garlic powder.
2. Mix in flour and enough water to form a soft dough. Knead 8–10 min.
3. Place in greased cast-iron pot with lid. Rise 1–2 hours in warm place.
4. Bake over low braai coals (or 180°C/350°F oven) 35–45 min until hollow-sounding when tapped.
5. Brush with extra garlic butter while hot. Serve warm.

The bread that remembers the fire.
The taste of every South African childhood.

More South African Braai Classics →

© 2025 The African Gourmet – Originally published 2015
Published under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

There are about 430 Anopheles species of mosquitoes of which 30-40 transmit life-threatening malaria. Anopheles mosquitoes are the deadliest insects in sub-Saharan Africa where it causes nearly a million deaths a year.

Malaria parasite by the National Institutes of Health

Malaria is caused by a one-celled parasite called Plasmodium and female Anopheles mosquitoes can only transmit malaria. The adult females can live up to 7-28 days in nature. Once a mosquito ingests the Plasmodium parasite it undergoes development and an incubation period from 10 to 21 days. The mosquito must have been infected through a previous blood meal from an infected person.  

Anopheles mosquitoes the deadliest insect in Africa

Female mosquitoes take blood in order to carry out egg production. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in which may contain malaria parasites. About one week later, when the mosquito takes its next blood meal, these parasites mix with the mosquito's saliva and are injected into the person being bitten. Malaria parasites multiply rapidly in the liver and then in red blood cells of the infected person.

Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Malaria may cause anemia and yellowing of the skin and eyes because of the loss of red blood cells. 

If not quickly treated, the infection can become severe and may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and even death. There are four types of human malaria: Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. falciparum. P. vivax and P. falciparum are the most common forms. Falciparum malaria is the most deadly type and the most common in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes nearly a million deaths a year.



Malaria prevention

Target 6C on the UN Millennium Development Goals is to have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases. In the African country of Benin 64 percent of children slept under bed nets in 2010, up from 20 percent in 2006. 

The number of pregnant women sleeping under bed nets rose from 20 percent to 60 percent during the same period. In 2010 an estimated 219 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 660,000 people died, 91% lived in the African Region. In 2012 malaria conditions slightly improved, there were an estimated 207 million cases of malaria in 2012. 

Unfortunately, 90% of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and 77% occur in children under five. Malaria has been the number one reason for health center visits in Benin for the last decade. Severe malaria kills 1,500-2,000 Beninese children every year and causes anemia in most children. About 40% of malaria deaths occur in just two countries: Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

The African proverb A chicken’s prayer does not affect a hawk teaches that a truly strong person shows their true strength when things get difficult. 

Imagine a really tall tree. When the weather is calm and sunny, it stands tall and strong, right? That's easy. But what happens during a strong storm? Moments of comfort in the quote are like those sunny days. Things are easy, life is good, and everyone is happy. Times of challenge and controversy are like storms. These are tough times with problems and disagreements.

A truly strong person shows their true character when things get difficult. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

A strong person faces those challenges head-on, even if it means making tough decisions or standing up for what they believe in, even if it makes them unpopular.

Think about it like this: Easy times are like a test with easy questions. Everyone can do well then. Challenging times are like a difficult test. That's where you really see who truly understands the material.

The African proverb teaches that true greatness is measured by one’s ability to stand strong during the controversy and learn from past adversities. Resilience in the face of challenges reflects a person's character and strength.

At one time or another, your mental strength will be tested African Proverb

If we believe in ourselves, then we realize that wavering on our principles and standards would be harmful to our mental and physical selves. 

In addition, if we love ourselves, we certainly want what is best for ourselves. This is not being self-centered; this is realizing you matter. people who want to make you change your stand on your principles and values are taking you into a dangerous place trying to change the very definition of what is normal, thereby changing the definition of moral self-preservation.  

But we absolutely should not help them in their destructive task on this issue or on any issue that affects our spirituality and our soul connectedness.

It is simply not what the African proverb a chicken’s prayer does not affect a hawk teaches us to behave during difficult times when morality is tested. 

Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe is a Swahili proverb for A chicken's prayer doesn't affect a hawk. 

Just like a chicken's hopes or wishes don’t change what a hawk does, weaker people or groups cannot stop or challenge those who are stronger or have more power.

The Swahili proverb "Mnyama haogopi laana ya kuku" translates to: "An animal does not fear the curse of a chicken." This proverb teaches that weak individuals or groups cannot challenge those who are stronger or hold more power. It highlights the futility of wishing for a different outcome.

Rose honey syrup is a sweet and fragrant syrup made with honey and rose petals. 

Rose honey syrup is a popular ingredient in cocktails, desserts, and other sweet treats. Rose honey syrup is also known for its health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and can help to boost the immune system.

Honey is valued in Africa as food, medicine and as an important economic activity. The color and flavor of honey vary depending on the bees nectar source lighter colored honeys are mild in flavor, while darker honeys are usually more robust in flavor.

Across the African continent, there are many ways of preparing African Rose Honey Syrup. Some recipes call for the use of fresh rose petals, while others call for the use of dried rose petals. Some recipes also call for the addition of other ingredients, such as lemon juice, ginger, or cinnamon.

Kenya is world famous for its cut flower farms especially the roses, one of the main growing areas is around Lake Naivasha. Floriculture pioneer Oserian Farms was founded in 1982 and was the first flower farm on Lake Naivasha. Oserian Farms is part of Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately owned, 18,000 acre, flora and fauna paradise that is home to a diversity of wildlife.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley of Kenya. It is the second-largest lake in Kenya after Lake Victoria, and it is a popular tourist destination. The lake is also home to a thriving flower industry, and it is the largest producer of roses in Kenya.

The first roses were planted in Lake Naivasha in the 1970s, and the industry has grown rapidly since then. Today, there are over 200 flower farms in the area, and they produce over 100 million roses per year. The roses are exported to Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.

The flower industry has had a positive impact on the local economy. It has created jobs, boosted tourism, and increased tax revenue. However, the industry has also had some negative impacts on the environment. The flower farms use a lot of water, and they have contributed to the decline of the lake's water levels.

The government of Kenya is working to address the environmental impacts of the flower industry. They are developing plans to conserve water and to reduce pollution. They are also working to promote sustainable practices among the flower farmers.

The future of the Lake Naivasha rose industry is uncertain. The industry is facing a number of challenges, including rising costs, competition from other countries, and environmental concerns. However, the industry is also resilient, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in the local economy.

How to make Rose Water Simple Syrup. 

Rose honey syrup is a sweet and fragrant syrup made with honey and rose petals. It is a popular ingredient in cocktails, desserts, and other sweet treats. Rose honey syrup is also known for its health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and can help to boost the immune system.

Honey is valued in Africa as food, medicine and as an important economic activity. The color and flavor of honey vary depending on the bees nectar source lighter colored honeys are mild in flavor, while darker honeys are usually more robust in flavor.

Across the African continent, there are many ways of preparing African Rose Honey Syrup. Rose honey syrup can be used in a variety of ways. It can be added to cocktails, desserts, and other sweet treats. It can also be used to make tea or lemonade. Rose honey syrup is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and fragrance to any dish.

Rose Water Honey Syrup Recipe

Ingredients
¼ Cup Light Colored Honey
Petals from Two Sweet Smelling Roses
4 Cups Water

Directions
In a large pot simmer water and rose petals on medium-low 15 minutes, remove from heat let sit for 2-24 hours. The longer the mixture sits the stronger the infusion of roses. Filter out rose petals and mix the rose water with honey until mixture is the consistency of syrup. Use African Rose Honey Syrup as a sweetener for teas, oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream and anything else you can pour honey over.

Rose honey syrup is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and fragrance to any dish. It is a popular ingredient in cocktails, desserts, and other sweet treats. It can also be used to make tea or lemonade. Rose honey syrup is a healthy and delicious way to add sweetness to your food and drinks.

However, honey should be consumed in moderation as it is high in sugar and calories. It should also be avoided by infants under 1 year old as it can cause a serious condition called infant botulism. Some people may also be allergic or sensitive to honey or its components.

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Mabuyu Baobab Juice

Mabuyu Baobab Juice is popular in sub-Saharan African countries, especially in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania. Made from the dried pulp of the baobab fruit, it is tangy, refreshing, and packed with vitamin C.

Mabuyu Baobab Juice

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Chill time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings (8 ounces each)
• Calories: 15 per serving
• Fat: 0 g

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons dried baobab fruit powder
• 2 cups sparkling water
• Sugar or honey to taste
• Optional: splash of fruit juice (mango, pineapple, or orange)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients into a large jar or pitcher and mix well.
2. Add ice and serve immediately.
3. The taste of dried baobab pulp is mild and citrusy—perfect with sparkling water.

🌞 Baobab Morning Affirmations

• 🌳 I sip from the “Tree of Life” and feel grounded and whole.
• 🌳 Like the baobab, I stand strong, rooted, and resilient.
• 🌳 I carry ancient wisdom and earth’s energy into my new day.
• 🌳 My life is nourished with strength, patience, and connection.

A Brief Look at the Baobab Tree

The baobab tree is often called the “Tree of Life” and is legendary for its enormous size and longevity. Its smooth, pink-grey trunk can grow to more than 70 feet tall and 35 feet in diameter, with branches that resemble roots—earning it the name “upside-down tree.”

Baobabs can live for thousands of years. In Zimbabwe, one hollow baobab is so large that up to 40 people can shelter inside its trunk. Across Africa, baobabs have been used as homes, shops, prisons, storage barns, and even bus shelters. Truly, the baobab is unlike any other tree on earth.

Explore More

• Learn more about baobab in African foodways
• Discover more African juice recipes
• Explore traditional African drinks

Smoked Fish Okra Stew

Okra is an ingredient in many soup and stew recipes throughout Africa. The young leaves and flowers of the okra plant are edible; also, okra leaves are frequently boiled or used dried ground into a powder to thicken soups and stews.

Okra tastes like okra having a unique flavor and texture. Okra naturally releases a gooey material called mucilage when cut, mucilage makes okra a natural thickener to soups and stews. Any type of acids such as tomatoes, vinegar or lemon juice will counteract the mucilage of okra.

30-Minute Smoked Fish and Okra Stew Recipe

Smoked Fish Okra Stew.

Ingredients

5 ounces any smoked fish

3 cups sliced okra or two handfuls small okra

1 handful okra leaves chopped

2 ripe tomatoes diced

2 onions finely chopped

2 garden eggs or one small eggplant chopped

1 hot pepper finely chopped

¼ cup palm oil

4 cups water

Directions

Heat palm oil over medium heat in a large pot, add onions and garlic. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve over fufu or rice.

Did you know?

Abelmoschus esculentus or Okra is a plant native to Africa and a member of the hibiscus family.