African diamonds: ten delicatessens from the most alluring continent

Summer is for traveling. Physically, but also with the imagination. And the palate. Today in Summum we are going to Africa, unveiling some of its best kept gastronomic treasures.

Teff: the trendy cereal that comes from Ethiopia

El teff It is a cereal that is grown almost exclusively in Ethiopia, where it has always been consumed daily. On this side of the world, we began to discover it recently and some celebrities have already fallen in love with its nutritional properties.

We could talk about teff as one of the cereals of the moment. Its small seeds, which measure about 1 mm, can be various colors, from black to red and from dark brown to white. It has a low glycemic index, it is rich in minerals such as calcium and iron, proteins and amino acids, and some vitamin C. And it does not contain gluten.

In stores Ruiz House, in Barcelona and Madrid, it can be purchased both in grains (9.90 euros per kilo), as flakes (10.90 euros per kilo) and in flour (12.25 euros per kilo).

African red tea in Deluxe version

El rooibos is the red tea of ​​Africa, although it is not tea, but an infusion of a local plant that bears the same name. It has a pleasant flavor, does not contain theine and is ideal both hot and cold. The luxury tea brand TWG markets a blend of rooibos from South Africa mixed with a selection of spices and calendula.

The bottle, in red and gold, of 100 gr can be purchased in specialized stores for about 25 euros.

Two ways to taste the hibiscus flower

El Karkadé o Tea from Egypt It is a magnificent African infusion made with the red hibiscus flower.

With a seductive ruby ​​hue and somewhat astringent flavor, the Karkadé (the word is of Eritrean origin) it can be drunk both cold and hot. It can be prepared with lemongrass to accentuate the acid touch or rather with vanilla, to soften it. Is considered relaxing, diuretic and digestive.

Another peculiar and delicious way to taste this fleshy African flower is candied with cane sugar. They sell it in bulk in stores Nugget and Grain and it is a real find.

Namibian salt pearls: between hot and cold

Exclusive, crunchy, intense and with pearl shape. The pearls of Namibian salt they are a surprising choice if what we are looking for in a dish is texture, elegance and flavor.

These pearls are collected along the coast of the African country, where the oldest desert in the world meets the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They are a kind of salty caramel, a true gourmet experience. Yes indeed, they are not very easy to find.

In Spain they are marketed by the company Regional Co. which also has an online store. Its price, 7 euros.

Africa: the paradise of spices

For all lovers of spices, Africa is an ideal pantry. The dukkah, for example, it is an Egyptian mixture that contains aromatic seeds (sunflower seeds, fennel, cumin, coriander, sesame) and hazelnuts.

From Eritrea and Ethiopia comes the Berber, also called “Ethiopian curry” for the abundance of its ingredients. Making a complete list would be impossible, but they are all a reflection of the richness and variety of spices (always a luxury good) that arrived in the African country thanks to its commercial networks.

Native to North Africa, the Breed el hanout It is a mixture whose name means “head of the store.” A way of referring to the spices on the highest shelf, that is, the best. Can carry cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, black pepper, paprika, fenugreek, turmeric, nutmeg, mace, galangal and so on up to twenty ingredients. In Tunisia, rose petals are the secret ingredient that makes the recipe smoother and more exclusive.

Why Madagascar Vanilla is the best in the world

La vanilla It is one of the most expensive spices in the world and although its origin must be found in America, its most precious variety, the one considered richest and most balanced, comes from Africa.

This is the Bourbon vanilla o Bourbon of Madagascar, whose complicated elaboration process justifies the astronomical figures that this spice can reach. !Up to 500 euros per kilo!

The vanilla beans are first blanched in water, then allowed to “sweat” in the sun for ten days. At night, they are wrapped in blankets and finally left to air dry until the givre crystals appear on their surface. A luxury good whose authenticity is often doubtful. To limit the risk of counterfeits and adulterations, it is better to always buy vanilla in pods and not already ground.

Noor: savoring the Arab heritage

The draft Paco Morales In his native Córdoba, he is undoubtedly one of the most courageous and daring on the current scene of the high kitchen.

In the stoves of Young, which means “light” in Arabic and bears 1 Michelin star, recipes, ingredients and culinary traditions of Al-Andalus are covered. Each new season, the menu focuses on a precise historical moment, with the idea of ​​going through events and flavors in order.

If among the dishes of last season we find proposals like the Karim with pistachios, apple with desert spices, botarga and fresh oregano or the Dulce de leche, carob and sheep ice cream, of the next season, which starts this September, we can only say that it intends to explore the XNUMXth century. A rescue operation encompassing the Arab food culture from Africa to the Middle East. Tracing the tasty traces he left in Spain.

Black and exotic

those of Organic They are some of the best chocolate bars on the market. The name is a declaration of intent, as this line of exclusive chocolates is made with organic raw materials. Among them stands out the dark chocolate 65% cocoa from northern Madagascar.

The cocoa plantation, they tell us, is surrounded by fruit trees such as tamarind or mango and this makes the cocoa beans give off a unique fruity flavor. A dark chocolate with a twist sour and bitter.

A gourmet sugar that comes from paradise

Caramel-colored, small and sticky grain and aroma of liquorice, the muscovado sugar (or muscovado) is a most gourmet alternative to traditional sugar. It is an unrefined sugar, obtained from cane juice subjected to a crystallization process and then ground.

The brand of spices and delicatessen Exotic Land markets a muscovado sugar from Mauritius. The 120 gr jar is close to 5 euros.

Vin de Constance, South African treasure

It is considered one of the best sweet wines in the world and, in the past, it was one of the most coveted among kings and high-ranking politicians. Constance wine is one of South Africa’s gastronomic treasures: in Vilaviniteca, physical and online store, a half-liter bottle of this wine (2009 vintage) is close to 170 euros.

The muscat grape bunches were picked from January to April by hand, in order to choose only the best and keep this wine at the height of its legend.