If you’ve ever noticed your kitchen feels warmer not just from the stove, but from the spirit of the season — you’re not alone.December has a way of turning ordinary meals into soul-stirring feasts. From the aromas drifting through the house to the laughter echoing off the walls, this is the time of year when cooking more isn’t just a choice — it’s a tradition that feeds the heart. At Flourish Spices & African Food, we see it every year: families planning menus that go beyond ingredients and measurements, creating dishes that carry purpose, connection, and nostalgia. And with just a day to Christmas, that feeling is stronger than ever. Why We Cook More 1. Food Becomes the Heartbeat of...
It’s December at last — that magical stretch of the year when kitchens fill with laughter, plates overflow, and the air carries the rich scent of spices and celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving something warm and festive, the right spice rack can transform any meal from good to unforgettable. At Flourish Spices and African Food, we believe every home should be ready for festive feasts. That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide — ten essential spices (and spice blends) every kitchen needs now, plus a little invitation at the end to help you stock up and cook like a pro this season. 1. Calabash Nutmeg (Ehuru) Calabash nutmeg — also called “ehuru” — is...
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...
In our previous post, we explored the world of pepper from cayenne pepper to bell pepper and scotch bonnet. Today, we're continuing our spicy journey with three more captivating peppers: habaneros, white pepper, and black pepper. Habaneros Habaneros, known for their bright orange color and intense heat, are a staple in many Latin American cuisines. With a Scoville heat unit rating that can reach up to 350,000, habaneros are not for the faint of heart. Their flavor profile, however, is surprisingly complex, often with fruity or floral notes that balance the heat. It’s suitable for spicy sauces, stews, and vegetable soups. Habaneros also double as a spice for marinating chicken or meat stock and pepper soup. White Pepper Unlike black pepper, which is made...
Have you ever been captivated by the aroma wafting from a neighbor's kitchen? Like yummy spices warming up your whole house? That, my friend, is the magic of African food! Africa boasts a treasure trove of unique spices that elevate even the simplest dish. At Flourish Spices & African Food, we're passionate about bringing these flavors to your table. Let's explore some essential spices that will transform your cooking! Locust Bean Seasoning (Iru): The hero of many dishes, iru is a fermented locust bean with a deep, savory punch. This spice enriches everything from ogbono soup to egusi soup. A sprinkle of iru is all it takes to transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Ogbono Soup Mix: Ogbono soup, a Nigerian classic, is a thick and...
