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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.

Africa’s Cashew Story — Farming, Challenges, and a Toasted Cashew Recipe

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Africa’s Cashew Story: Farming, Challenges and a Toasted Cashew Recipe Africa grows over 40% of the world’s cashews Africa is the center of the cashew world , producing well over 40% of the global supply. Yet behind this success are family farms, gender inequalities, and complex global trade systems. Who Owns and Works Africa’s Cashew Plantations Cashew plantations are primarily owned by men, as women and migrant farmers often face barriers to land ownership and financing. Most work is done manually using hand tools, while only larger plantations occasionally use animals or light machinery. Family labor is critical to keeping these farms productive. Street vendor selling cashew nuts in Nigeria Most African cashews are exported raw and shipped to Asia for processing into kernels for Europe, the Americas, and Asian markets. This limits the profits African farmers and processors can make. Did you know? Côte d’Ivoire is now the world’s top cashew produ...

Five I’m That Chick African Proverbs

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Five I’m That Chick African Proverbs What are the qualities of a real woman? I'm That Chick African Proverbs teaches us what are the fascinating characteristics of highly desirable women. 5 I’m That Chick African Proverbs I'm That Chick African Proverbs The spirit of womanhood consists of truth and openness, which are meant both to please ourselves, and to make others comfortable with real women. Womanhood is the goodness of heart put into daily practice; there can be no true womanhood without kindness, transparency, honesty, and awareness. I'm That Chick African Proverbs Many believe that a strong woman is but a mask worn in the world meant to conceal fragility and weak minded impulses, and to make a show of strength not really existing in the heart. That womanhood is merely hypocrisy and camouflage. I'm ...

Bad Sister African Folklore Story

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Bad Sister African Folklore Story Mushonga the Bad Sister is a popular South African Folklore story of brutal jealousy and an obsession that ends in the horrific murders of three innocent brothers. Bad Sister  Bad Sister African Folklore of Poor Jealous Mushonga. Mushonga was the only daughter of Lightning and Rain . One day, Lightning’s three sons from another marriage came to visit their baby sister for the first time in 15 years. Mushonga did not know her three brothers though the township people said, "Do not you see they are your brothers?" Mushonga was jealous she was no longer her father’s center of attention and decided to kill her three brothers that very night. The three brothers had, however, a Guinea fowl who watched over them their entire journey to their father’s house. Mushonga begged her boyfriend and his four brothers to help her in her murderous plans and they agreed. However, when the men crept near, in order ...

Why are conflict minerals called conflict minerals

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Conflict minerals fuel, fund and sustain armed violence in Africa. Materials used in cell phones have a direct influence on Africa's armed conflicts. Materials used to make cell phones have a direct influence on human rights abuse in Africa Why are conflict minerals called conflict minerals? Africa has 54 countries and 15 African countries are fighting wars and involved in perpetual violence. Conflict-Minerals 3TG. Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank-Act; disclosing the use of the conflict-minerals or 3TG, tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten in Africa. Food is not the main imported item into Africa however; machinery and equipment top the list. Machinery and equipment used to mine minerals. Pick any household electronic at random such as a cell phone, a remote control, or a laptop and it probably contains minerals mined in Africa. Companies that are required to file a Conflict-Minerals Report must exercise due diligence on the sou...

Fried Cassava Garri Fritters

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Fried Cassava Garri Fritters Garri fried fritters is a popular West African food made from cassava flour and fried until golden brown served with African soups and stews. West African Fried Garri Fritters Recipe African recipes by African Gourmet Golden brown Garri Fritters are a favorite recipe of Western Africa made with ground cassava flour and spices fried into delicious snacks. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 Total time: 20 min By Chic African Culture African food recipe West African Garri Fritters Recipe Ingredients 2 cups cassava flour 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 - 1/3 cups water 1-2 cups oil for frying Directions In a large frying pan heat vegetable oil. Add all ingredients, mix well and form small fritters, fry until golden brown about 3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with extra salt or curry powder before se...

Homemade African Suya Meat Rub Recipe

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Let's make an easy suya meat rub like they do in Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos. What are Suya Joints? Suya Spots in Africa three facts. Suya is a street food that defies ethnic and racial boundaries.  Suya sellers create delicious street food from the flames of charcoal grills.  Suya spots are Lagos equivalent to happy hour. Mai Suya, often referred to as Mallam are people who make their living by selling roasted Suya, a spicy skewered meat that is a popular delicacy among many African ethnic groups.  However, Suya is a street food that defies ethnic and racial boundaries, as even non-locals enjoy it as much as locals.  Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos generates about a quarter of Nigeria's total gross domestic product; this is due to impart of the local entrepreneurs, the Suya seller. Cheap eats, good friends African happy hour  One of the most prominent ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria, the Hausa tribe traditionally prepares Suya. Suya sellers...

Kuli Kuli: Modern West African Peanut Snack for Creative Chefs

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Kuli Kuli — Modern West African Peanut Snack for Creative Chefs Kuli Kuli is a time-honored West African snack made from ground roasted peanuts or Bambara groundnuts, seasoned with spices, and traditionally deep-fried until crisp. Once sold by street vendors and enjoyed by travelers across Nigeria and Ghana, it is now finding its place in modern kitchens as a versatile, protein-rich snack and garnish. This updated recipe is adapted for culinary students and young chefs looking to explore African heritage while experimenting with texture and flavor. Food Heritage: Kuli Kuli has long been valued as a portable energy source for farmers and traders. Its simple ingredients and deep, nutty flavor make it an excellent bridge between traditional African foodways and modern global cooking. Ingredients 1 cup roasted peanuts or Bambara groundnuts 1 teaspoon ground ginger ...

African Cultures are Fading Away

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African traditions are passed on through generations, but Africans gradually lose many indigenous traditions and rituals. On the one hand, globalization has opened up new avenues for cultural exchange and appreciation. African traditions, music, art, and cuisine have gained international recognition and appreciation, allowing for the celebration and preservation of diverse cultural practices. This exposure has created opportunities for Africans to share their rich heritage with the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. On the other hand, the melting pot effect of globalization has brought challenges to indigenous African cultures. The introduction of foreign concepts, principles, and behaviors can result in the decline of customary practices and lifestyles. The spread of Westernization and homogenization are worrying as they are influenced by the worldwide media, consumerism, and Western beliefs, which impact native cultures and could lead to unique traditions...

Mohammed Dewji — Africa’s Youngest and Most Talked-About Billionaire

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Mohammed Dewji — Africa’s Youngest Billionaire At age 49, Mohammed “Mo” Dewji remains Africa’s youngest self-made billionaire. Name: Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji Net Worth: ~US$2.2 billion (2025) Age: 49 Source of Wealth: Diversified — manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, finance Residence: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Citizenship: Tanzania Marital Status: Married, father of three Notable Quote: “Every good and bad experience in life will teach you something. Choosing how to learn from your past shapes who you are today.” Mohammed Dewji is CEO of MeTL Group , a family-built conglomerate spanning textiles, agriculture, soft drinks, energy, logistics, and more across 11 African countries. He has publicly challenged global giants like Coca-Cola with his own Mo Cola brand and Mo Energy Drink . His philanthropic foundation funds education, health, and entrepreneurship in Tanzania. L...

Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe

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Chicken feet dishes are considered a delicacy in many parts of Africa learn how to prepare chicken feet recipes the easy way. Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe Chicken feet dishes and recipes are found all over the world. Chicken feet are unused in many parts of the world but are considered a delicacy in many parts of Africa. The African Gourmet will show you how to prepare chicken feet recipes the easy way. Chicken feet are available to many people at affordable prices. How to prepare chicken feet the best way is with the African food recipe of chicken feet sauteed with wild mustard green leaves. Chicken feet have a unique flavor of sharp mustard greens and sauteed with chicken feet simmered into a delicious and easy chicken feet African food recipe. African food recipes are easy to make at home. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 20 min Total time: 30 min Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe Ingredients 4 cleaned and prepared chicken feet cut i...

African Wild Pigs

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Facts about African wild pigs Learn about a face only a mother could love African wild pigs also known as warthogs. 1.   African wild pigs live in many countries of Africa; Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 2.         Scientific name of African wild pig is Phacochoerus aethiopicus. 3.         Warthogs are a wild member of the pig family. 4.         African wild pigs are very strong, smart animals. 5.         Adult males average 28 to 30 inches long and 250 pounds; adult females average 25 to 28 inches long and 150 pounds. 6.         African wild pig average lifespan is 15 years. 7.         African wild pig are omnivo...

Canned Lion Hunting in South Africa: How Captive Lions Become Trophies

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Canned Lion Hunting in South Africa: What It Is and Why You Should Care Hunting of lions in fenced or confined areas — often called canned hunting — still takes place in South Africa. These hunts involve lions that have been bred in captivity, raised by humans, and then released into a controlled or fenced area where trophy hunters pay thousands of dollars for a guaranteed kill. How Big Is the Industry? Recent estimates suggest more than 7,800 lions are held in captivity on commercial lion breeding farms in South Africa — a number that surpasses many remaining wild populations. Meanwhile, wild lion numbers across Africa are estimated at roughly 13,000+ in eastern and southern regions, with far fewer in West and Central Africa. In 2023, South Africa reported over 500 lions shot as trophies , with most hunts involving captive-bred animals released for short periods in fenced areas. Legal Status Is Changing For years, canned lion hunting operate...

United States Executive Order 13769 Muslim Bans

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Libya, Sudan and Somalia are three Muslim African Countries on President Donald Trump executive order immigration ban. Executive Order 13769, titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States. Trump's executive order 13769 on immigration bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. About Sudan Executive Order 13769 Sudan is situated in northern Africa, with a coastline bordering the Red Sea. It sits at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Sudan, the Muslim population is 97%. Sudan's development has been plagued by ongoing conflicts, most notably the Darfur conflict, which began around 2003 when several rebel groups took up arms against the government in Khartoum which still continue today. Sudan's President, Omar al-Bashir, was charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, incl...

Peppery Breadfruit Fritters

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Super Simple Breadfruit Recipe Breadfruit may not be the first item you reach for in the supermarket, but the large, protein nutrient-rich breadfruit is a staple food in sub-Saharan Africa. Peppery Breadfruit Fritters African Recipes by African Gourmet   African breadfruit fritters are deep-fried and scrumptious; the fritters are a tasty blend of savory and peppery. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 min Total time: 20 min Peppery Breadfruit Fritters Ingredients 1/2 cup cooked breadfruit, mashed 1 cup cassava flour 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon salt Oil for frying Directions In a large bowl add all ingredients and mix well, add just enough water so the mixture will make small soft balls with the dough. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, place fritters on a paper towel to soak up excess oil and serve warm. Did you kn...

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.

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African Culture and traditions