There’s something sacred about the sound of a pot bubbling on the stove. Ask anyone who grew up around real home cooking, and they'll tell you — it's not just about food. It’s about moments. Laughter shared while peeling yams, grandma humming while turning the ogbono, the aroma of pepper soup sneaking through every corner of the house. Homemade meals hold memories. I remember the days growing up. My mum would start cooking early — the kind of early where dew was still clinging to the grass. You’d wake up to the sharp scent of blended ata rodo and tomatoes already frying in hot oil. You knew it was going to be a good day, because rice and stew were...
It’s Saturday morning. You're feeling inspired, flipping through your recipe book with one hand and sipping zobo with the other. You’ve decided to make that legendary native rice — the one your cousin still talks about from the last family hangout. You reach for your spice stash, grab that pack of curry… and then pause. Something smells off. You sniff again. It’s dull, lifeless — nothing like the bold, fragrant aroma you remember. Spoiler alert: your spices have expired or lost their magic. And the culprit? Improper storage. Spices Have Feelings Too Okay, maybe not feelings… but they’re definitely sensitive. Heat, moisture, light, and air are the enemies of fresh, flavorful spices. Expose your spices to them, and you’ll go...
It all started one sunny Saturday afternoon at Auntie Bisi’s kitchen. She was hosting a mini get-together, and as usual, the star of the table was a steaming pot of jollof rice. The aroma wafted through the house like a warm embrace. But as she scooped a spoonful into my plate, Eunice blurted out, “Auntie, did you use the Flourish Jollof Mix or just the Seasoning?” She chuckled and said, “Ah, my dear… people confuse the two all the time.” And that’s how this post was born because trust us, you don’t want to mix them up if you're serious about nailing your jollof game. So, What’s the Difference? Let’s break it down like a party jam at a Nigerian...
I was seven when I first tasted a pickle. It wasn’t just the crunch that hooked me; it was the sour, tangy flavor that seemed to light up every taste bud. From that moment on, pickles had a place in my heart and, more importantly, in my kitchen. But as I grew older, I realized that pickles are so much more than a zesty snack. They’re packed with health benefits and have a place in almost every cuisine. Today, on National Pickle Day, let’s consider why pickles deserve a place in your diet, plus some creative ways to use them in cooking. And, if you’re feeling inspired, Flourish Spices and African Food is here to help you stock up on...
There’s something magical about the warmth of a steaming pot of okro soup simmering on the stove. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, drawing family and friends together, ready to dive into a bowl of comfort. Growing up, my weekends revolved around helping my mom in the kitchen as she prepared this dish. I can still hear her laughter and the rhythmic sound of her chopping okro while sharing stories of our family’s heritage.However, I vividly remember the struggle of cutting okro—slimy fingers and little bits of green everywhere. It was enough to make me wonder if there was an easier way to enjoy this flavorful soup. Well, there is! Here are five hacks for cooking delicious okro soup without...
