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Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

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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Start Your African Journey

From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

The Secret Codes in African American Quilts and Adinkra Symbols: History and Meaning

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Quilting Fabric Symbols Mirror African and African American Spirituality and History Quilting has long been more than decoration — it’s storytelling, survival, and resistance. African slaves combined quilt patterns and hand sewing as a path to freedom on the Underground Railroad, using visual codes when words could not be spoken aloud. Quilting became a form of coded resistance and survival. Ancient Quilting Traditions No one knows exactly when quilting began, but evidence in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos, Egypt, shows quilted clothing was worn 5,000 years ago. An ivory carving in the British Museum depicts Egypt’s first dynasty king wearing a quilted mantle scarf. Long before newspapers or books, and before Europeans arrived in the Americas, quilt history began as a practical art. Pre–Civil War quilting (1619–1865) didn’t follow the research standards we use today, but oral history kept the stories alive. Did You Know? Oral history has existed longer tha...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Giant Size Small Size Countries in Africa

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Land is defined as continents and islands solid parts of their surface not covered by water on the Earth's surface. “Land governance issues need to be front and center in Africa to maintain and better its surging growth and achieve its development promise,” says Frank Byamugisha, author of the report and Lead Land Specialist in the World Bank’s Africa Region. “Our findings provide a useful, policy-oriented roadmap for African countries and communities to secure their own land for building shared prosperity.” Inefficient land administration, weak governance and corruption to the land governance system in many African countries will fuel the land grab surge. An example of poor government is the fact that Ghana, Kenya and Uganda each have fewer than 10 professional land surveyors per one million people. Land tenure legally or customarily is the legal system in which an individual, who is said to hold the land, owns land. Secure tenure is an important pillar for agriculture and food...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Dying Over Honey African Folklore | The African Gourmet

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Dying Over Honey African Folklore | The African Gourmet Home › Explore Africa › African Folktales Dying Over Honey: African Folklore of Koelle and His Two Wives In this African folktale, honey becomes more than sweetness — it becomes a test of thoughtfulness, greed, and truth. The story of Koelle and his wives reminds us that generosity sweetens life, while selfishness sours it forever. Koelle’s wives discover honey in the forest — the sweetness that leads to tragedy. The Folktale of Koelle Koelle had two wives. One day, both went to fetch firewood together. The younger wife discovered some honey. They harvested it and ate together — but the older wife saved a little for home. When questioned, she replied, “You have only a husband to care for, and yet you forget him. I will take honey home to mine.” The younger wife said nothing but grew bitter. That evening, the older wife offered her husband the honey she had saved. He praised her and ate it all. Then, th...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.