In Africa, we are really fortunate to have delicious and nourishing cuisine. The flavors and preparation methods of the cuisine from each region of the continent are sufficient proof that they are the greatest. The majority of visitors to Africa don’t miss the regional cuisine. We still have odd dinners even though we have great and typical cuisine that are not too far from what most people are used to.
If you consider yourself to be a foodie, you could lose your appetite after tasting some of Africa’s unique delicacies. We have some unique dishes for you if you are bold enough to consume anything. Here are some strange foods you might want to try:
Mopane Worm- Zimbabwe
The mopane worm, which has its origins in Southeastern Africa between Zimbabwe and South Africa, is a rare treat that tastes best when it is fried, dried, or roasted. Despite what its name suggests, it is a caterpillar and a member of the family of emperor moths. It may be found in mopane trees, which are also its usual food source. For many years, the Tsonga, Venda, and Pedi peoples relied primarily on the mopane worm itself as a source of protein. The mopane worm, which has been likened to barbeque chicken and has around 60% protein, is a simple to catch and quick supper. The most typical method for preparing this delicacy involves cleaning the worms, boiling them for approximately 10 minutes to swell them up, and then salting and baking them for 15 minutes. Other methods include roasting the caterpillar over fire or boiling it and letting it dry in the sun.
West African Ackee plant
A unique treat from western Africa is the ackee plant. This plant is actually a fruit that, if consumed too early, is lethal. What happens if it is consumed before it is fully ripe? Vomiting, hypoglycemia, which causes the body’s blood sugar to drop, a coma, and in certain cases, death, are all symptoms of toxic hypoglycemic syndrome. The fruit must fully mature for eight weeks before it turns from green to crimson. As the fruit ripens, the seeds and cream-colored arils—a component of the fruit that covers the seed and is the edible part of the plant—will become visible. This plant is most frequently available in canned form and is subject to severe import rules because of its toxicity.
The arils of this fruit are removed, boiled, and then mixed with fish and seasonings like tomato, onion, and chili. By alone, the plant’s arils are an excellent source of fat and protein.
Namibian giant bullfrog
The following bizarre and perilous treat comes from Namibia. A delicacy called the huge Namibian bullfrog can inflict serious bodily harm if consumed in its entirety at the wrong moment. This particular frog has no parts that go to waste, despite the fact that the legs of frogs are a common delicacy in Europe and other areas of the world. It should be noted that this species is also classified as endangered, which adds to the delicacy’s distinctiveness.
The “third rain” in Namibian weather cycles and the giant amphibians’ mating season determine the best time to consume one of them. If consumed before these times, the bullfrog’s skin and organs contain toxic amounts that can lead to “Oshiketakata” renal failure, a burning feeling when peeing, and even death.
The Ivory Coast’s Chitoum
Image Source: kadealo.com
A mid-afternoon snack from the Ivory Coast, the Chitoum is mostly consumed in western Africa. A little, black beetle is collected, gutted, decapitated, and fried. Other ways to eat Chitoum include baking it rather than frying it, but only if it has been gutted. Although it is generally advised to gut and discard the innards, it is unknown if the guts are harmful to consume.
Tanzania and Kenya share blood
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic ethnic group that live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. On significant events like a girl’s wedding, a baby’s birth, and a child’s circumcision, they drink cow blood. Elderly people who are intoxicated are also given it to help them recover from hangovers.
The majority of the Masai people’s traditional food in Kenya and Tanzania comes from their livestock. Although they rarely consume meat, they do consume milk and blood that is obtained by shooting an arrow through the loose flesh on the cow’s neck.
Minna Davies is a creative writer and a thespian with a degree in theatre arts from the University of Lagos. He has been privileged to have some of his works featured on Nigeria’s big stages. It is important to dream, but if no one gets to see it, it is as good as dead.
