The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

Palm Oil in Gabon: Business Insights, Traditional Uses, and Sustainable Farming The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) thrives in Gabon’s hot, humid, 81% forested landscape. Its fruit produces palm oil — a cooking and industrial oil essential to Africa for millennia and now one of the world’s most produced vegetable oils. Harvest and Yield: Trees start fruiting about 2½ years after planting. Palm oil is the world’s second most important vegetable oil after soybean oil. Its high heat tolerance makes it ideal for frying, but it is nearly 50% saturated fat — more than double olive oil. Two Valuable Oils From One Fruit The palm fruit yields two oils: palm oil (from the fleshy pulp) and palm kernel oil (from the seed). Palm oil is key to global food processing — from frying potato chips to making instant noodles. Palm kernel oil, like coconut oil, is common in sweets, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents. Traditional Palm Oil Extraction — The Wet Method Villages often u...

Roasted Cowpea Recipe and History of Cowpeas The Cowpea, also known as Vigna unguiculata, has a rich history spanning centuries and has been cultivated in Africa for a long time. Dried cowpeas have a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period. The first published record of the name cowpea in the United States dates back to 1798. In 2017, global production of dried cowpeas exceeded 7.4 million tons; 7.4 million tons of cowpeas (black-eyed peas) would provide approximately 11.84 billion meals. This means the global production of cowpeas would provide 1.5 meals per person for the world population of 7.9 billion. 11.84 billion cowpea meals ______________ 7.9 billion people =1.5 cowpea meals per person for the entire global population. Notably, Nigeria is the largest producer and consumer of cowpeas, commanding an impressive 48% of the production share within Africa and 46% globally.  Cowpeas have a deep cultural significance. Cowpeas have deep cultural roots in many socie...

The Cancer Bush leaves have been traditionally used to make tea in South Africa. Cancer Bush is frequently harvested from the wild, making it a popular herb for teas in South African herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs to stimulate health and prevent and treat sickness. Leaves have been traditionally used to treat poor appetite, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, dysentery, diabetes, colds and flu, cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, kidney and liver conditions, urinary tract infections, stress, and anxiety. Cancer Bush Leaves Sutherlandia Frutescens as a Medicinal Plant The Cancer Bush, also known as Lessertia frutescens , has been used in South Africa for centuries for its medicinal properties. It grows widely in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. The species name frutescens means “bushy,” describing its growth habit. The currently accepted botanical...

Best Fish Dish From Malawi Combining Frying and Stewing. Lake Malawi stewed fried fish is a traditional Malawian dish that is both delicious and nutritious. This one-pot meal is made by combining a variety of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, cassava, and eggplant with fresh Lake Malawi tilapia fish.  The fish is first fried until crispy and then stewed in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is typically served with Nshima, Malawi's national dish, a thick, starchy porridge made from maize flour.  Combining frying and stewing will give you a dish with a crispy exterior and a rich, flavorful stewing base. This approach is often used in recipes like the classic Malawi stewed fish dish, where the initial frying enhances texture, and the stewing contributes depth of flavor. Combining the tender, succulent fish and the rich, tangy sauce meal will impress your partner, family, friends, and house guests. Classic Malawi Meal - Stewed Fried Fish and Nshima. Favori...

Sautéed Black-Eyed Pea Leaves: A Quick and Nutritious Recipe Black-eyed pea leaves are not only safe to consume, but they also offer a delicate, mild taste similar to spinach. Rich in iron, vitamin E, vitamin K, and protein, these leaves add a unique and nutritious touch to your meals. Whether you’re adding them to soups, stews, or enjoying them sautéed as a side dish, black-eyed pea leaves are a versatile and healthy option for any meal. Why Black-Eyed Pea Leaves Are a Healthy Choice Black-eyed pea leaves are packed with essential nutrients that make them an excellent addition to any diet. They are particularly high in iron , which helps combat fatigue and supports overall energy levels. These leaves are also rich in vitamin K , which promotes bone health, and vitamin E , known for its antioxidant properties. With plenty of protein , black-eyed pea leaves are a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based nutrients to their meals. Sauteed Black-Eyed Pea Leave...

In Lesotho, counting on your hand is done beginning with the pinky and progressing toward the thumb. Looking elders directly in the eye is rude in The Gambia and pointing your feet at someone while sitting is impolite in Eswatini. Africa's food, dress, language, and cultural practices are taken very seriously. Because tourists come from particular societies, groups, and places, they must be mindful of their beliefs and practices. Culture is such a powerful influence on our outlooks and behaviors that we are often unaware of believing our perspectives are just the way things are.  How a person addresses an elder influences how they are perceived, and how a person greets another carries heavy connotations on how they are understood in Africa. Shared meals are integral to African social life. Understanding communal dining practices fosters a more profound comprehension of social bonds and the significance of hospitality. 21 different food, dress, ...

The top ten African countries ranked by annual methane emissions measured in megatons. Nigeria, a country in Africa, is facing the challenge of being the largest emitter of methane gas, which is known to be a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to environmental issues like climate change.  However, Nigeria has taken some steps to address this issue by implementing policies and regulations that aim to reduce the flaring of natural gas in the oil and gas sector. The Nigerian government is also working on strengthening policies and regulations related to environmental protection and climate change to combat this issue. Methane (CH4) is a gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is also lighter than air. Methane is a type of greenhouse gas that is released when organic material breaks down. This can happen from both natural and human-influenced processes.  Sources of human-influenced methane emissions include the production and transportation of coal, na...

Uba Hong Crayfish Stew uses powdered crayfish to add a flavorsome, pungent twist to stewed vegetable dishes. Uua Hong is a town located in the northeastern corner of Adamawa State in Nigeria. The locals of this town have a fondness for using crayfish powder in many of their recipes. Crayfish powder is typically made by drying and grinding crayfish into a fine powder. This concentrated form of crayfish adds a unique flavor to the dishes. Crayfish is a popular ingredient in Nigerian soups and stews, adding a unique earthy, smoked-fish flavor and aroma. Simply add crayfish powder to soups and stews while cooking, like any other spice. For more on how seafood seasoning shapes Nigerian cuisine, see Goat Is Goat of Nigerian Cuisine . Crayfish powder has a longer shelf life than fresh crayfish, as it comes in a powdered form. This makes it a convenient pantry staple for the people of Uua Hong, who can enjoy the flavor of crayfish at any time without worrying about spoilage. As a na...

African Philosophy: Unveiling Wisdom Through Time-Honored Proverbs In the endless repository of African culture, wisdom traditions play a profound role, offering valuable insights into the ethos and philosophy of over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups in African communities. Exploring African philosophy through the lens of ageless proverbs and exploring cultural riches leads to a wealth of knowledge for anyone who loves African proverbs.  The ethical guidance and ancestral insights embedded within these timeless expressions are like tiny capsules of mental vitamins, empowering the mind, body, and soul. He who burnt himself with soup blows on cold milk. - DRC African Proverb Cultural Insights Deeply rooted in cultural heritage, African wisdom traditions are windows into communities' collective consciousness. These wisdom traditions encompass myriad expressions, including sayings, proverbs, and inspirational quotes, each carrying profound cultural in...

Deep Roots, Deep Conflict: Lila vs. The Evergreens - A Gothic African Folktale The Mother's roots run deep, and her love is a binding that feels like a curse to those who defy her. Lila's roots are the binding threads of the world The Awakening of the Root-Mother Before the first rain, there was only the Groaning—a constant, grinding roar of rock and fire. The world was a wound, and from its fevered core, a consciousness pushed its way into being. Not born, but unearthed . She was the first thought of the planet, a spark that named itself Lila, and her roots were not of wood, but of will, plunging deep into the heart of the chaos, binding the tumult into a fragile order. With roots of stone and veins of river, Lila wove the world into existence. She did not simply create life; she extracted it from the raw stone, singing the first cells into being with a whisper that was both a lullaby and a command. Every forest was a extension of her nervous system, eve...

Malawi Mango Bread Recipe | The African Gourmet From October to March, Malawi has some of the best conditions in the world for growing one of the most beloved tropical fruits, the mango. The mango, which is low in calories yet high in nutrients, is one of the most important fruits in major growing areas of Matumba and Dzuwa villages in Malawi.  Whether using fresh or canned mangoes, ensure to drain the juice and mix it with the mango nectar when preparing the delicious Malawi mango bread recipe. This bread has a unique flavor and texture thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. It's the perfect treat to enjoy at home, with every bite full of love, passion, and care that goes into making it.  Malawi Mango Bread Goodness Prep time:  20 min  Cook time:  50 min  Total time:  1 hour 10 min Ingredients 1 cup mango nectar 1/2 cup ripe mangoes - fresh or canned, cut into tiny chunks 3 cups all-purpo...

Street hawkers in Nigeria should benefit from Nigeria's cabinet approving a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank. In November 2023, Nigeria's cabinet approved a $1 billion concessionary loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under terms of an interest rate of 4.2% for 25 years, with an initial eight-year moratorium.  Possibly this economic windfall will trickle down to the primarily female Nigerian street hawkers, who make up as much as 70% of informal employment in Nigeria. This financial arrangement with the AfDB is part of Nigeria's strategy to secure funding for economic growth and employment generation. Over the years in Nigeria, street hawking or roadside trading has been a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians but has become illegal in many Nigerian states. In its simplest form, street hawking is a person who sells snacks, drinks, clothing, and many other things along the roads and from one place to the other.  If a significant portion of...

Sharing an African food meal is the best way to be friendly and respectful. Trying African food is a good way to learn about new people and cultures. Exploring African cuisine will help you understand the many different cultures in Africa. Trying new African foods is exciting and will help you learn about different ingredients. Learn why food is central to African hospitality . One of the best things about trying African food is that it will help you get to know people from different backgrounds. African food is a source of nourishment, socializing, and celebrating. Sharing a meal is something everyone should do, regardless of their background or beliefs. Sharing a meal is a sign of hospitality, friendship, and respect. It is a way of expressing gratitude, appreciation, and love. Sharing a meal is a way of enjoying life, learning from others, and creating memories. Technology is helpful, but it never replaces human connecti...