The start of a new year always brings a feeling of renewal—an opportunity to reset, reorganize, and create new habits. Some years back, after the holiday feasts, I found myself standing in the middle of my kitchen one January morning, staring at the remnants of cookies, rich stews, and festive snacks. It hit me—grocery shopping needed a change. I wanted to shift from impulsive buying to a more intentional approach, one that would nourish my body and spirit throughout the year. If you’re like me, you've probably thought about making healthier choices, saving a bit of cash, or simply finding joy in the ritual of cooking. But grocery shopping can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. So, let...
Christmas is a time for family, laughter, and delicious meals that bring everyone together. But let’s be honest—the cost of preparing a festive feast can pile up quickly, leaving your wallet feeling a little too light. That’s why I want to share a story about Kemi, one of our loyal customers. Last Christmas, Kemi was determined to host her family’s annual holiday dinner, but she had a strict budget to stick to. Instead of stressing, she got creative and turned to Flourish Spices and African Food for help. By the end of the day, her dining table was filled with mouthwatering dishes that left her guests asking for seconds (and thirds!). The best part? She didn’t break the bank. Want...
Last month, my friend invited me over for dinner. While helping her prep in the kitchen, I reached into her fridge to grab some garlic and found something odd. There was a whole tub of palm oil sitting on the shelf, right next to some onions. I paused and asked, “Why is your palm oil in the fridge?” She laughed and said, “I thought it would stay fresh longer this way!” That moment stuck with me. Many of us don’t think twice about what we toss into the fridge. But here’s the truth: not everything belongs there. In fact, storing certain foods in the fridge can ruin their flavor, texture, or shelf life. If you’ve been wondering why your food...
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...
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...
