Growing up in Nigeria, the flavors and foods of West Africa were an integral part of Ola Elkanah's life. However, when she first moved to Salem, she found it nearly impossible to access the ingredients she needed to cook authentic African meals.
Things like palm oil, fufu flour and other staples were largely absent from grocery stores in the area. Any time Ola wanted to make classics from her childhood like jollof rice or egusi soup, she would need to make a trek down to Portland to hunt for what she needed.
It was out of frustration with these long food finds that Ola had the idea to start sourcing African ingredients herself. In 2010, she launched Flourish Spices with the goal of making West African cuisine more accessible in the area.
Ola Elkanah, owner of Flourish Spices, poses with her packaged West African food products at the Oregon Entrepreneur's Market in Salem in 2023. (Courtesy/Jason DeSomer Photography)
Flourish Spices started by importing key pantry items from Nigeria and distributing them locally. But as demand grew, Ola expanded her product line. She now offers her own spice blends, rice mixes and other convenient meal solutions designed to bring the taste of Africa to home cooks.
Through her efforts and innovative ideas, foodies now have a chance to discover Flourish Spices and other locally produced foods. You can explore a wide array of products on our website. Go and feed your eyes and cop some food products for yourself.
Leave a comment