May 31, 2022

Brain-Boosting Berbere African Spice Blend

Berebere spice mix has been used in Africa in one form or another for many years. It originated in Ethiopia and/or Eritrea. It most commonly contains a mild to hot mix of chili peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. More authentic blends will include korarima, an Ethiopian cardamom instead of the Indian variety, along with nigella seeds and ajwain, another type of seed. I use this robust spice mix to flavor stir-fries, soups and stews. It packs some (but not too much) heat. Benefits: Fenugreek has choline which may support healthy brain function and memory. Chilies and […]
January 2, 2018

On the Wave of the Next Food Trend: 10 African Superfoods

Foodies are always looking for the Next Big Thing. At one time that was Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Mideastern specialties such as hummus and falafel have now found their way to American menus. Here’s my prediction: in the near future we will all be enjoying foods from various countries on the African continent. A number of years ago, I discovered baobab, the fruit from an odd-looking tree native to Africa and Madagascar that contains high levels of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. The tree itself is called ‘The Tree of Life ’because, besides providing nutritious fruit, it […]