When it comes to enhancing food tastes, African spices hold a special place in the culinary world. Such was the reverence of these spices that European traders and colonists travelled and traded spices all across the world. African spices are diverse, like the continent, and are used for numerous applications in different dishes. For example, dukkah spice, an Egyptian spice, is used as a dip for bread and it is a mixture of nuts and other local herbs. Blend spices such as ras el hanout spice, is one of the most sought-after spice blends and one its most premium. In this blog, we shall dig deeper into the culture and details of African spices and their contribution to enriching world culinary dishes.
African Spices: An Overview
African spices are not only rich in taste but also rich in history, connection to tradition, and cultural significance. African spices were the most sought-after commodities around the world. European traders exchanged spices from Africa as currency. Colonists later colonized Africa to fulfill the growing demand for spices in European food. A few of the most well-known spices, such as the African pepper soup spice, are still prevalent in dishes today. Here are more details about the spices
The Essentials
To go deeper into the knowledge of spices from Africa, you must first know the essential spices. Here are some of them:
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Ras el hanout spice: One of Africa’s premier spices, it is a spice blend of herbs, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and so on. Roughly translated as “top of the shop” in Arabic, this Moroccan spice has Mediterranean origins and is one of the most versatile spices out there. The spice can be used in grilled meat, couscous, and rice dishes.
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Suya spice- This spice blend originated from West Africa and is one of the most popular spices on the continent. The spice forms the staple ingredient in regions of Northern Nigeria. While the spice was originally meant for grilled fish, it has evolved and is used in a diversity of dishes from chicken to goat.
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Dukkah Spice- This spice originates from Egypt, and it is a blend of hazelnuts and other varieties of local herbs. The word in Arabic means to pound because the spice blend is made by grinding different spices together.
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Berbere- This spice blend is from Ethiopia, combining garlic, ginger, basil, fenugreek, and chili powder. The spice is used for meat dishes such as chicken, goat, and beef and adds punch to the dish. It can also be used in lentils and different types of soups.
Cultural Significance
African spices are not just ingredients in food but are also symbols of culture passed down through generations. Multiple spice blends are unique and personalized for each family and differ from region to region. For example, the spice of Berebere is used during community gatherings in Ethiopia. It symbolizes harmony and homecoming for people living far away from family. Similarly, African pepper soup spice, traditionally used for festivities and other forms of celebrations, is also used as a medicine during fever. It also has ritualistic significance as it is offered to ancestors, for its strong flavor is believed to carry flavors and blessings.
In another instance, the Suya spice, also known as Yaji, forms an important ingredient in street foods. Street foods are an important part of African culture, and thus, this spice has contributed to enhancing it. The spice originated from the Northern region of Nigeria, from the Hausa people indigenous to that place. The spice is used in roasted vegetables and grilled meat.
Health Benefits of African Spices
African spices have been proven to have medicinal properties and other nutrients that positively impact health. The benefits of African spices are as follows:
Antioxidant Properties
African pepper soup spice is one of the most important sources of antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage and keep the organs healthy and highly functional. Antioxidants also act as painkillers, especially during muscle damage and sprains.
Immune Support
African black pepper, especially the Moroccan spice, is useful for boosting immunity in the body. These spices have anti-microbial properties that reduce inflammation in the body and prevent infections.
Digestive Health
Ras el hanout spice contains ginger, which not only enhances tastes but is also essential for digestion. Ginger has essential fibres that enable the body to fight indigestions, stomach pains, and bloating. Spices such as grains of paradise also enable better digestion and clear the intestines.
How to get African Spices?
African spices are available in stores worldwide as well on any e-commerce website. One of the most successful businesses in sourcing and distributing African spices is All Foods Africa, which is based out of Australia. Here, at All Foods Africa, we are committed to providing authentic African spices from Suya spice to Ras el hanout spice. Here are the steps you follow to buy from our site:
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Go to our official website of AllFoodsAfrica.com.au.
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Click on Shop.
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Select your desired spice and the amount you want to buy.
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Click on Add to Cart.
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A dialog box will appear where you have to fill in your details and payment information.
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Once that’s complete, then click on “Buy,” and then it will be delivered to your home.
FAQs
Do African spices cause any digestive problems?
No, rather, African spices improve digestion as they contain important fibres and nutrients for better food absorption.
Are African spices used in vegetarian dishes?
African spices are very versatile and can be used for meat dishes such as chicken and goat to vegetable roasts and other forms of savoury food.
Conclusion
African spices are one of the sought-after ingredients in the world and are growing in popularity. It is not only important for its culinary contributions, but it is necessary to understand its history and cultural significance. African spices can also benefit your health by boosting your immune system, providing essential nutrients by maintaining the organs and enabling proper digestion. These kinds of spices need to be farmed sustainably and preserved for their cultural significance.