African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Let’s learn all about the kola nut

Twenty-five of the best kola nut facts and stats


Bitter kola is not to be confused with the caffeine-rich larger sized kola nut.

Chewing on the seeds of the bitter kola nut is rumored to have the same effect as a little blue pill treating sexual dysfunction.

Deforestation and the conversion of forests for development and plantations have reduced the number of wild kola nut trees.

Demand for Kola nut is great in Nigeria and the ability to store the nuts and use them fresh or dried makes this an ideally versatile product to generate income for the family.

Due to its caffeine content, large amounts of kola nuts may cause a headache, anxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats.

In 2014, there were fake reports kola nut cured infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS and the Ebola virus.

In central Nigeria, it was reported Ebola was cured after warm water mixed with salt and then eating bitter kola nuts.

In foods and beverages, kola nut is used as a flavoring ingredient.


Kola nut has natural sweetness as well as lots of caffeine
Kola nut has natural sweetness as well as lots of caffeine

Inside the tree's star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the kola nuts.

It is found in Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Kola nuts of the Cola Acuminata variety are especially important tradition in Nigerian Igbo culture.

Kola nut contains caffeine; caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles.

Kola nut energizer drink is very popular in Sierra Leone and is used as a substitute for hops in brewing beer in some African countries.

Kola nut is a cherished and revered ancient nut plant with real major health benefits to West and Central African people.

Kola nut is a type of nut mostly found in tropical zones in the forests throughout West and Central Africa.

Kola nut is also known as a food that has the ability to ward off evil spirits.

Kola nut is especially useful in preventing beer spoilage.

Kola nuts come from the evergreen kola tree traditionally these nuts were used as medicine and nowadays the nuts of the tree is still used to treat many ailments.

Kola nuts value as medication for weight loss, a sore throat, upset stomach, ulcers, colds, and liver disorders is priceless medicinally and spiritually to West and Central African people.

The name for cola drinks is derived from the Cola Acuminata plant, although the Kola nut is no longer used as an ingredient in most commercial drinks.

The fatal dose is estimated to be about 10-14 grams; that is 150-200 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.

The kola nut is culturally very important for West and Central tribes in traditional ceremonies, special events and welcoming visitors.

The kola nut is the caffeine-rich ovoid fruit of the kola tree relatively large being about 1 1/2 inches to 3 inches.

Theobromine is found in chocolate as well as kola nuts.

Kola nut has natural sweetness as well as lots of caffeine.

Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. African Country Names Your Saying Wrong
  2. What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
  3. About African Healers and Witchdoctors
  4. Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
  5. Highest Temperature and Lowest Temperature in Africa
  6. About African Night Running


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
Read the full post here

African Spirit Tree Test

Image
Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
Read the full post here

Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

Image
Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
Read the full post here

Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

Image
Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
Read the full post here