Bitter Kola or Garcinia kola is a nut plant native to Africa. It is found all over Africa in countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Mali. Bitter kola, as its...

The kola nut is the fruit of the kola tree (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida), indigenous to West Africa. The trees, which reach heights of 40 to 60 feet, produce a star-shaped fruit. Each fruit...

Grounded Pepper is a type of spice used in food for its flavour, colour and medicinal value. Of all spices, grounded pepper is the most widely consumed. This is probably why it is called the...

Though technically a seed, millet offers similar health benefits to other grains and can be prepared in many of the same ways. It looks like little yellow pellets of birdseed (which is, in fact, one...

This brown oval-shaped tuber is a staple in parts of Africa. Tiger nut contains a variety of nutrients and healthy compounds such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, fiber, protein, carbs, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus,...

Egusi (also known by variations including agusi, agushi) is the name for the fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major...

Calabash is Africa’s indigenous variety of nutmeg, you also might know it as African or Jamaican nutmeg or Ehuru.  The fruits are collected from wild trees and then the seeds are removed and dried. Inside,...

Native to Africa, these protein-rich melon seeds is packed with nutrients and is popular in West African cooking. Prized for it’s thickening qualities for savory West African stews, it lends a distinctive and delicious nutty...

Pepper soup spice is a combination of unique spices commonly found in the West African region.  Spices such as alligator pepper, black pepper seeds, grains of Selim and calabash nutmegs are all combined to make...

Suya pepper is a mixture of spices depending on the type of products available however there a 3 essential ingredients that highlight its uniqueness. These include peanuts, cayenne pepper and salt.

Breathtaking hibiscus flowers are not only lovely to behold but also a healthy ingredient used as an ever-so-popular herbal tea! Consumed traditionally by the Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt to help keep cool in the desert,...

Grains of Selim are the seeds of a shrubby tree, Xylopia aethiopica, found in Africa. The seeds have a musky flavour and are used as a spice in a manner similar to black pepper, and as a flavouring agent...

The spice is known as Esoro Wisa in Twi and Wie Din in Ga. Interestingly, the pepper's leaves can be eaten. In terms of hotness, the pepper is not as hot as other peppers like...

Alligator pepper is a West African spice made from the seed. The plants which provide alligator pepper are herbaceous perennial flowering plants of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to swampy habitats along the West African coast....

Cloves are known as Dadoa Amba or Pepre in Twi, or Mbrego Amba in Fante. They add a burst of flavour to foods while aiding digestion. Cloves have several health benefits, including Protection of the...

1 bunch for £1 Waakye is the local name for sun-dried leaves or stalks of red sorghum. When added to food, it adds a red colouring that is appealing to the eye.

African ginger is an extremely versatile spice that holds a lot of health benefits.  This bright yellow plant has a plethora of medicinal uses. African ginger can be boiled in hot water alongside pineapple skin...

Known as Osu kon in Ga and Nkitinkiti in Twi, consumption of anise seeds helps improve digestion, reduce nausea, and alleviate cramps. The seeds contain thymol, terpineol, and anethole, which are good at relieving coughs....