African Art and Food Sharing History and Heritage

African oil palm of Gabon Gabon is 81% forest and has a tropical climate, always hot and constantly humid. The perfect climate to grow African oil palm trees, Elaeis guineensis. Palm oil is made from the fruit of the African oil palm. It’s been an essential type of oil for several millennia. Over the past several decades, it has become one of the world's most produced and used oils outside of Africa.  Harvesting of fruits usually starts about 2½ years after field planting. African oil palm is a major oil crop, taking second place in the world vegetable oil supply after the soya bean. This is why palm oil is popular and highly versatile. It can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for frying food, but use it sparingly as palm oil is about 49% saturated fat, while olive oil is less than half of that.  African palm oil, aka macaw-fat, is the world’s most popular and most purchased vegetable oil, making up about 35 percent of the total international trade in cooking...

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 use in 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, is a plant that has been used in South Africa for many years for its medicinal properties. It is grown in several provinces, including the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. People gr...

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...

The leaves of black-eyed peas are not only safe to consume, but they also possess a delicate and mild taste that is similar to spinach. You can indulge in these leaves without any worries and savor their delectable flavor, which can add a unique touch to your meals. The leaves have a tender texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The leaves are versatile and are used in a variety of dishes. They can be added to soups, stews , stir-fries, or sautéed as a side dish. The subtle and delicate taste of black-eyed pea leaves makes them a perfect match for many other flavors. This quick and flavorful sautéed black-eyed pea leaves recipe is delicious and a nutritious addition to your meals. Black-eyed pea leaves are rich in iron, vitamin E, vitamin K, and lots of protein. Sauteed Black-Eyed Pea Leaves Five-Minute Sauteed Black-Eyed Pea Leaves  Ingredients 4 cups black-eyed pea leaves, washed and chopped 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minc...

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. 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 natural seasoning, crayfish powder reduces the need for excessive salt or artificial flavor enhancers. Uba Ho...

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...

Modern African folktale of the quarrel between Evergreen trees and Lila, the spark of nature, creator of natural order and diversity. Her roots extended deep into the planet's core, intertwined with all the roots of plants, but the narcissistic Evergreen trees refused to follow her rules, upsetting nature's stability. Lila roots run deep  Origin Story Lila  In the distant past, before the emergence of living beings, the entire universe was brought into existence through a single command given by the most fundamental and essential element.  The Earth came into existence as a barren and hostile world. Volcanoes erupted, meteors crashed, and storms raged across the surface. The Earth constantly changed, but the chaos had no order or harmony. Amid this turmoil, a spark of consciousness emerged from the Earth’s core. She was a faint and fragile flicker, barely aware of her own existence. She sensed the turmoil around her and felt a longing for something more. She yearned ...

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-purpose flour 2 sticks of unsalted butter 1/2 cup sour cream 3...

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. One of the best things about trying African food is that it will help you get to know people from different backgrounds.  Green Gram Peas 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. Sharing a meal is something everyone can do and something everyone should do.  Technology is helpful, but it never replaces human connection...