ANCIENT AFRICAN FOOD

Ancient African food Part 5.5: Yam bean and horned melon

African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) The African yam bean belongs to the family Leguminosae. The annual climbing or prostrate vine is mainly grown for its fleshy roots that looks ...

Crops

7 Dec 2022 · 7 min read

Ancient African food Part 5.4: Cowpea

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is one of the most important seed legumes in Africa. The edible leaves and seed have significantly high levels of protein (up to 40%), as well as t...

Crops

31 Oct 2022 · 6 min read

Ancient African foods Part 5.3: Jute mallow and Ethiopian kale

Jute Mallow and Ethiopian Kale are two ancient African plants that are used as leafy green vegetables. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) Jute mallow belongs to the Malvacea...

Crops

31 Oct 2022 · 5 min read

Ancient African food Part 5.2: Marama, lablab and bambara beans

Legumes are a staple in many developing countries. Besides being a valuable source of protein, it also enriches the soil in which it grows. In this series, we highlight traditional crops...

Crops

26 Sep 2022 · 6 min read

Ancient African food Part 4: The answer to Africa’s malnutrition and obesity?

In the previous issue, we discussed ways of bringing back food plants our ancestors used, but which have become neglected and underutilised in recent times. By using these plants in t...

Crops

30 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Ancient African food plants 5.1

In previous issues, we discussed the value of indigenous and ancient food plants of Africa that can provide essential nutrition that is lacking from ‘modern’ food plants that are pre...

Crops

17 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Ancient African food Part 3: The answer to Africa’s malnutrition and obesity?

In the previous two parts on ancient African foods, we discussed food security in Africa and how ancient food plants that are not cultivated anymore can help to add nutrients to the Afri...

Crops

8 Jun 2022 · 7 min read

Ancient African food Part 2: The answer to Africa’s malnutrition and obesity?

Africa has for a long time suffered from political turmoil, drought, and famine. Climate change badly affects Africa, as it causes weather patterns that are different from what we are us...

Crops

8 Jun 2022 · 8 min read