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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.

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Grilled Green Bananas Recipe

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Green bananas recipe from Côte d'Ivoire and the importance of green bananas.

Green bananas in Côte d'Ivoire are an important agricultural crop, contributing to the country's economy and culinary traditions. 

They offer unique nutritional characteristics and are enjoyed in various delicious preparations. So, whether you're exploring the local cuisine or looking for a nutritious snack, green bananas in Côte d'Ivoire are definitely worth trying.

Green bananas are best eaten cooked. Easy African recipe of grilled green bananas is a simple side dish usually accompanied by stew or porridge. You can also substitute green or yellow plantains in this classic African recipe.

Côte d’Ivoire is the largest exporter in the Western African region of bananas followed by Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana.

Grilled Green Bananas Recipe

Green bananas are best eaten cooked. Easy African recipe of grilled green bananas is a simple side dish usually accompanied by stew or porridge.

Ingredients 
4 large green bananas 
1 tablespoon palm oil 
1 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon onion powder 
1 teaspoon garlic powder 

Directions 
Peel the bananas and cut in half lengthwise place on top of foil. Brush on palm oil and evenly add spices. Grill bananas wrapped in foil over very low coals for about 5 minutes on each side. 

Green bananas are important food source in Côte  d'Ivoire.

Côte  d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a country located in West Africa. It is one of the largest producers of bananas in the world, including green bananas. Green bananas refer to unripe or immature bananas that are still green in color and have a firm texture. 

In Côte d'Ivoire, green bananas are a significant part of the agricultural sector and play an essential role in the country's economy. The favorable climate and fertile soils make it an ideal region for banana cultivation. 

The main areas where bananas are grown include the central and western parts of the country, such as the regions of Abidjan, Daloa, and Bouaké. 

Green bananas have several unique characteristics that differentiate them from their ripe counterparts. They are starchy and contain higher levels of resistant starch, which provides a slower release of energy when consumed. 

This makes green bananas a good choice for individuals who are looking for a low-glycemic index food or those who prefer a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. In Côte d'Ivoire, green bananas are used in various culinary preparations. 

They are often boiled or fried and served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in traditional dishes. Green bananas can also be found in local markets, where they are sold both in their raw form and in processed products like banana chips.

Côte d’Ivoire is the largest exporter in the Western African region of bananas followed by Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana. More than 70 million people in 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa depend on bananas for their livelihood and food supply.

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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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The labor and love that feeds a continent

Hands holding African fruit

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.