Africa is a continent of diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines. Each region has its own distinctive flavors and ingredients that reflect its history, geography, and traditions. One of the ways to experience the richness and variety of African food is through its condiments. Condiments are sauces, spices, or seasonings that are added to food to enhance its taste, texture, or appearance. They can range from mild to spicy, sweet to sour, creamy to crunchy, and everything in between.
If you are an African living in the US or Canada, you might miss the familiar tastes of home and want to recreate some of your favorite dishes. Or if you are a food lover who enjoys exploring new cuisines, you might be curious about the different types of African condiments and how to use them in your cooking. Either way, this blog post is for you. I will introduce you to some of the most popular and authentic African condiments that you can find in the US and Canada, especially those that originate from Western Africa. I will also give you some tips on where to buy them, how to store them, and how to pair them with different foods.
Let's get started!
Shito
Shito is a spicy sauce made from dried fish, shrimp, chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and oil. It is a staple condiment in Ghana, where it is used to flavor rice, yam, plantain, kenkey, banku, and other dishes. Shito has a dark brown color and a thick consistency. It can be very hot, so use it sparingly if you are not used to spicy food. Shito can be bought in African grocery stores, online shops, or you can make your own at home. To store shito, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Suya Spice
Suya spice is a dry rub made from roasted peanuts, chili peppers, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and other spices. It is used to season grilled meat, especially beef, chicken, and lamb. Suya spice is a signature condiment in Nigeria, where it is sold by street vendors who grill meat on skewers over charcoal. Suya spice has a nutty, smoky, and spicy flavor that adds a lot of depth and aroma to meat. Suya spice can be found in African grocery stores, online shops, or you can make your own at home. To store suya spice, keep it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to six months.
Egusi
Egusi is a type of melon seed that is ground into a powder and used to thicken soups and stews. It is a common ingredient in many West African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Cameroon. Egusi has a mild and nutty flavor that adds body and richness to dishes. Egusi is often combined with other ingredients, such as palm oil, tomatoes, onions, spinach, okra, meat, or fish, to make delicious and hearty soups and stews. Egusi can be purchased in African grocery stores, online shops, or you can grind your own at home. To store egusi, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to a year.
Palm oil
A red-orange oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. It is a common cooking oil in many West and Central African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo. Palm oil has a distinctive flavor and color that adds richness and depth to dishes. It is often used to fry plantains, yams, or fish, or to make soups and stews.
Peanut butter
A paste made from roasted and ground peanuts. It is a popular ingredient in many African cuisines, especially in Senegal, Mali, Gambia, and Sudan. Peanut butter is used to make sauces, soups, dips, and desserts. It adds a nutty, creamy, and sweet flavor to dishes. You can use any kind of peanut butter, but natural and unsweetened ones are preferred.
Iru or Dawadawa
This is a condiment made from the fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa), which grows in the savanna regions of West Africa. It is widely used in the cuisines of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali, and other countries. It has a strong umami flavor and a distinctive aroma that adds depth and richness to soups, stews, and sauces³. It is also a source of protein and essential amino acids.
Ogiri
This is a traditional Nigerian condiment produced by fermenting either castor oil seeds (Ricinus communis) or melon seeds (Citrullus lanatus). It has an intense, earthy aroma and a pungent, cheesy flavor that enhances the taste of soups and sauces. It is especially popular in the Igbo and Yoruba cuisines, where it is used to season dishes such as egusi soup, ogbono soup, and efo riro.
Ugba
This is a condiment made from the fermented seeds of the African oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla), which is native to the tropical rainforest of West Africa. It has a chewy texture and a slightly sour taste that adds a distinctive element to the culinary landscape. It is commonly used in salads and traditional Igbo dishes, such as abacha (African salad), ugba na okporoko (oil bean and stockfish), and ukwa (breadfruit).
Palmnut Cream
This is a creamy condiment extracted from the boiled and pounded fruits of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), which is widely cultivated in West Africa. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, velvety consistency that adds body and creaminess to soups and stews. It is a fundamental component in West African cooking, especially in dishes such as banga soup, groundnut soup, and palm butter soup.
Hot Sauce
This is a fiery condiment made from a blend of hot peppers, vinegar, and spices, such as garlic, ginger, onion, and salt. It is a versatile addition to many African cuisines, delivering a bold and spicy kick to meats, stews, and even street foods, such as suya, kebabs, and akara. Its popularity lies in the ability to customize the heat level according to personal preference, by using different types and amounts of peppers.
Uziza Seeds and Leaves
Uziza is a plant from the Piperaceae family, which includes black pepper and kava. Both its seeds and leaves are used as a spice and a herb in West African cuisine, especially in Nigeria. They have a pungent, peppery flavor and a distinct aroma that add a unique spiciness to soups and stews, such as egusi soup, okra soup, and pepper soup. The seeds are usually ground for seasoning, while the leaves are either chopped or left whole to infuse flavor.
Cameroon Pepper
This is a fiery spice blend made from various hot peppers, such as bird's eye chili, Scotch bonnet, and habanero. It is a staple in Cameroonian cuisine, where it is used to elevate the heat quotient in dishes, such as ndole, eru, and koki. It can be used as a table condiment or integrated into recipes, depending on the desired level of spiciness. It has a zesty and bold flavor that complements the rich and diverse ingredients of Cameroonian cooking.
African Nutmeg (Ehuru)
This is a spice obtained from the seeds of the Monodora myristica tree, which is native to the tropical forests of West Africa. It is also known as ehuru, ariwo, or calabash nutmeg. It has a warm and aromatic flavor and a nutty essence that enhance the overall taste of soups and stews, such as pepper soup, oha soup, and white soup. It is commonly used in Nigerian and Cameroonian cuisines, where it is a key player in the spice palette.
Peri-Peri Sauce
This is a vibrant and spicy condiment originating from Southern Africa, especially Mozambique and South Africa. It is made from bird's eye chili peppers, also known as peri-peri, piri-piri, or African red devil peppers. It brings intense heat and flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and marinades, such as peri-peri chicken, espetada, and chakalaka. Its versatility and bold taste have gained popularity beyond its place of origin, and it is now widely available in restaurants and supermarkets around the world.
Crayfish
This is a seafood-inspired condiment made from dried and ground crayfish, which are small freshwater crustaceans. It adds a savory depth and a distinctive flavor to soups and stews, such as egusi soup, edikang ikong, and afang. It is widely used in West African cuisine, especially in Nigeria, where it is considered a delicacy and a source of protein.
Banga Spice
This is a blend of spices used in preparing the palm fruit-based banga soup, which is a popular dish in Nigeria and Ghana. It is a flavorful combination of aromatic ingredients, such as ehuru, uziza, aidan fruit, iru, and salt. It imparts a rich and savory taste, complementing the nutty undertones of palm fruit, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
Alligator Pepper (Atariko)
This is a spice derived from the seeds of the Aframomum melegueta plant, which is a member of the ginger family. It is also known as atariko, grains of paradise, or Guinea pepper. It is known for its pungency and its peppery warmth, which add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of dishes, such as pepper soup, jollof rice, and suya. It is often chewed or incorporated into spice blends, such as suya spice and Cameroon pepper.
Jollof Rice Seasoning
This is a mix of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, such as curry powder, thyme, bay leaf, and salt. It is an essential blend for one of West Africa's most beloved dishes, jollof rice, which is a one-pot rice dish cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It infuses the iconic jollof rice with a savory and aromatic character, contributing to its distinct taste and color.
Maggi (Seasoning Cubes)
These are cubes rich in umami flavor, made from salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate, vegetable oil, and spices. They are a ubiquitous seasoning in West African kitchens, used to enhance the taste of various dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces. They are a convenient way to add depth and savory notes to dishes, as well as to adjust the saltiness.
Where to Find African Condiments in the US and Canada
1. Specialty Grocery Stores:
One of the best places to start looking for African condiments is your local specialty grocery store or market. These stores usually have a section for international foods, where you can find all kinds of spices, sauces, and condiments from different regions of the world.
2. African Grocery Stores:
Another great place to find African condiments is an African grocery store. These stores specialise in importing products directly from Africa, so you can be sure that you're getting the real deal. One of the best African grocery stores in the US and Canada is My Sasun African Market, an online store that provides a wide range of African groceries to customers in the diaspora. My Sasun enables customers to access African ingredients and food items conveniently from their homes, and delivers the highest quality African goods directly to their doorstep. Whether you are looking for Nigerian food, Ghanaian food, or any other African cuisine, My Sasun has it all. You can browse their collections and order online at mysasun.com.
3. Farmers' Markets:
You might not think of farmers' markets as a place to find African condiments, but you'd be surprised by what you can find there. Some farmers and vendors sell exotic spices and sauces that you can use to spice up your dishes.
4. Ethnic Food Festivals:
One of the most fun and exciting ways to find African condiments is to attend ethnic food festivals and cultural events in your city. There, you can sample and buy unique condiments from different vendors who showcase and sell their products.
Rounding Off
African condiments are a great way to add flavor, color, and texture to your food, and to experience the diversity and richness of African cuisine. By using these authentic condiments in your cooking, you'll not only make your dishes more delicious but also embark on a flavorful journey that connects you to your homeland. Finding African condiments, especially those unique to Western Africa, in the US and Canada is not as hard as you might think. You just need to know where to look and what to look for and you know what? My Sasun African Market is the best place to start! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start shopping and cooking today!
Comments (101)
Winning the lottery was never something I dreamt of. My name is Charles Coffey, a retired Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) . I dedicate more than four decades of my life to Canada’s largest Bank. I served as RBC executive vice president of government affairs and business development before retiring in 2006.but this win gives me the opportunity to sustain and support the causes i have championed for decades. This is the fact concerning my winning. I saw a comment online about how Dr Marcus helped her to win the lottery. I said let me give this a try. I contacted him, we talked and all the necessary things were done. To be honest I never believed in spells. The following week he directed me to go get a ticket, i went to purchase the winning ticket from a shell gas station on Yonge street. the next day i was filling up my car at the gas station when i went inside to grab a chocolate bar and check my lotto max ticket on my surprise i won the top prize in Ontario Lottery of $25,000,000 i thought i won $25,000 but after taking a closer look i realized i miscalculated by three extra zeros, (spell do works i said to myself) I recommend Dr marcus he has the power and capacity to make the impossible possible, reach him at drmacusspellcaster@gmail.com or +2348110492028 whatsapp number. Hopefully you get a quick response from him.
Hi Friends I am so glad to writing this article today to tell the world how Dr Akhimien cured my HSV VIRUS, I have been detected with HSV-1 AND HSV-2 since five years ago, ever since then my life has been in complete bizarre and agony, I have used so many drugs that was prescribed to me by several doctors, but it didn’t cure my HSV VIRUS neither did it reduce the pain, until a certain I was checking for solution in the internet, then miraculously came across Dr Akhimien the powerful herbalist that cure numerous individuals HSV-1 AND HSV-2 INFECTION, I explained everything to him and prepared a cure that cure my HSV-1 AND HSV-2 disease totally after receiving his herbal medicine, so my friends viewers why wait and be suffer when there is someone like Dr Akhimien that can cure any disease HIV/ CANCER/ HEPATITIS B VIRUS, you can contact his via Email: drakhiniemodion@gmail.com or WHATSAPP +2349133157031 GOD BLESS YOU ALL
https://drakhiniemodion.wixsite.com/drakhimien
Hi Friends I am so glad to writing this article today to tell the world how Dr Akhimien cured my HSV VIRUS, I have been detected with HSV-1 AND HSV-2 since five years ago, ever since then my life has been in complete bizarre and agony, I have used so many drugs that was prescribed to me by several doctors, but it didn’t cure my HSV VIRUS neither did it reduce the pain, until a certain I was checking for solution in the internet, then miraculously came across Dr Akhimien the powerful herbalist that cure numerous individuals HSV-1 AND HSV-2 INFECTION, I explained everything to him and prepared a cure that cure my HSV-1 AND HSV-2 disease totally after receiving his herbal medicine, so my friends viewers why wait and be suffer when there is someone like Dr Akhimien that can cure any disease HIV/ CANCER/ HEPATITIS B VIRUS, you can contact his via Email: drakhiniemodion@gmail.com or WHATSAPP +2349133157031 GOD BLESS YOU ALL
https://drakhiniemodion.wixsite.com/drakhimien
HELLO EVERYONE.. FEW MUNINETS TO REDY THIS INFOR ON HERPES CURE 2018..
2017 MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED OF HERPES/ KNOWN AS GENITAL WARTS ,I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON HER MEDICATION TILL A POINT I EVEN LOST HOPE,BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS GRADUALLY DYING AND LOST HER MEMORY TOO, I WAS SO DESPERATE TO GET MY MOTHER BACK TO NORMAL, ONE DAY MY UNCLE WHO LIVES IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM TOLD ME ABOUT DR OLIHA ,WHO HELPED HIM GET RID OF HERPES /GENITAL WART WITH HERBAL MEDICINE AND HIS HERBAL SOAP ,I WAS SO SHOCKED WHEN HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ,ALTHOUGH I NEVER BELIEVE IN HERB BUT, I KEEP TO BELIEVE BECAUSE MY UNCLE CAN’T TELL ME LIES WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CONDITION I CONTACTED DR OLIHA VIA HIS EMAIL; OLIHA.MIRACLEMEDICINE@GMAIL.COM , YOU CAN TALK TO HIM VIA CALL OR WHATSAPP MESSENGER ON +2349038382931 , HE REPLIED AND ASK ME TO SEND MY HOME ADDRESS AND MY MOTHER’S DETAIL AND THEN I PURCHASED THE HERBAL MEDICINE,SENT ME THE HERBAL MEDICINE THROUGH COURIER SERVICE, WHEN I RECEIVED THIS HERBAL MEDICINE USED IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND 4 DAYS OF USAGE THE WARTS FELL OFF, MY MOTHER I NOW TOTALLY CURED AND MY MOTHER IS LIVING FREE AND HAPPY AGAIN. YOU CAN TALK TO DR VIA HIS MOBILE NUMBER OR WHATS APP HIM ON +2349038382931 OR https://olihamiraclemedici.wixsite.com/drolihamiraclemedici/ ALL THANKS TO DOCTOR DR OLIHA
The Metronet credit solution has made a huge impact in my life. When I was in college, I unfortunately had to rely on my credit card to help me with my expenses. By the time I finished college, I was unable to pay back a lot of those debts. As a result of that I ended up with a very low credit score and quite a few collections, so I sought out METRONET CREDIT SOLUTION. They were able to make a huge impact on my credit score. It went from the 500’s to the 700’s in a couple weeks. I couldn’t believe it. With that help, I was able to do so much more, lower the interest rate on financing my car, and to get approved for a great travel credit card which has really helped us while planning our wedding now. It’s been absolutely wonderful and I’m appreciative because I didn’t believe this process. Recommended as promised, you can reach out to them via:metronetcreditsoluton@gmail.com..
HIRE THE TOP CRYPTO & BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERTS THE HACK ANGELS
I have always thought it would be impossible to recover stolen cryptocurrency funds until I came across a hacker called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. Thanks to their expertise and dedication. If you’ve lost Bitcoin due to a wrong transaction, hacking, or forgotten private keys, THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT is here to help. If they could recover my $820,000 there’s hope for you too. I highly endorse their services to anyone looking to have their funds traced and recovered. You can get in touch with them through their Contact
WhatsApp (+1(520)200-2320
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
If you’re in London, you can even visit them in person at their office located at 45-46 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PF, UK.
HIRE THE TOP CRYPTO & BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERTS THE HACK ANGELS
I have always thought it would be impossible to recover stolen cryptocurrency funds until I came across a hacker called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. Thanks to their expertise and dedication. If you’ve lost Bitcoin due to a wrong transaction, hacking, or forgotten private keys, THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT is here to help. If they could recover my $820,000 there’s hope for you too. I highly endorse their services to anyone looking to have their funds traced and recovered. You can get in touch with them through their Contact
WhatsApp (+1(520)200-2320
Email at support@thehackangels.com
Website at www.thehackangels.com
If you’re in London, you can even visit them in person at their office located at 45-46 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PF, UK.
Are you searching for a real spell caster ?
It is amazing how quickly Dr. Excellent brought my husband back to me.
My name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. My husband left me and moved to be with another woman. I felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. I tried to be strong just for the kids but I could not control the pains that tormented my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because I was really in love with my husband. I have tried many options but he did not come back, until i met a friend that directed me to Dr. Excellent a spell caster, who helped me to bring back my husband after 11hours. Me and my husband are living happily together again, This man is powerful, contact Dr. Excellent if you are passing through any difficulty in life or having troubles in your marriage or relationship, he is capable of making things right for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best spell caster.
Here his contact. Call/WhatsApp him at: +2348084273514 "
Or email him at: Excellentspellcaster@gmail.com
Are you searching for a real spell caster ?
It is amazing how quickly Dr. Excellent brought my husband back to me.
My name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. My husband left me and moved to be with another woman. I felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. I tried to be strong just for the kids but I could not control the pains that tormented my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because I was really in love with my husband. I have tried many options but he did not come back, until i met a friend that directed me to Dr. Excellent a spell caster, who helped me to bring back my husband after 11hours. Me and my husband are living happily together again, This man is powerful, contact Dr. Excellent if you are passing through any difficulty in life or having troubles in your marriage or relationship, he is capable of making things right for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best spell caster.
Here his contact. Call/WhatsApp him at: +2348084273514 "
Or email him at: Excellentspellcaster@gmail.com ,
For more information visit his website:https://drexcellentspellcaster.godaddysites.com
A Life-Changing Experience, Dr Kachi A Testimony of Gratitude
I would like to share an extraordinary experience that has transformed my life. I came across a remarkable testimony online forum about a powerful and renowned spell caster, Dr. Kachi. At the time, I was skeptical because I had never encountered anything related to magic or spell casting before. However, the story of Dr. Kachi’s work resonated with me, and I decided to give it a chance. For years, my family and I struggled financially, and despite my best efforts, I never had luck winning the lottery. I loved playing, but winning seemed impossible. Everything changed when I connected with Dr. Kachi, who provided me with a winning lottery number through a powerful spell. In just 24 hours, I was able to play the lottery and won the Lotto 6/49 prize, a remarkable $68 million cash prize, on September 27th in the Gold Ball Draw. This incredible win has completely changed my life and the financial well-being of my entire family. After 10 years of trying unsuccessfully, I am now living my dream life. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Kachi for his assistance, Dr. Kachi has truly been a blessing to me and my loved ones. I encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to Dr. Kachi for guidance. his website https://drkachispellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site or email drkachispellcast@gmail.com Also reach him text or call +1 (209) 893-8075.Thank you once again, Dr. Kachi, for making my dreams come true.