If one African dish would make the global cuisine list first, it would probably be the African Jollof rice. The African Jollof has a reputation not only for its seductive aroma, deep-red color, and spicy flavor, thanks to a diversified array of recipes; it is also the undisputed queen of West African kitchens, with many countries laying claim to this culinary treasure.
Popular seasoned dish of rice, tomatoes, and spices; the Jollof is a main dish and staple at parties and family gatherings. At its base, it is stewed rice with tomatoes, onions, vegetable or olive oil, habanero (or scotch bonnet) pepper, tomato puree (or tin tomatoes), stock cubes, thyme, curry powder, ginger, and garlic. Its spices, ingredients, and cooking methods slightly vary between households and countries, but the basic elements of rice, tomatoes, and onions remain the same.
The popularity of the Jollof has extended beyond Africa’s shores and inspired Jollof festivals all over the world, as well as its national day (August 22).
In this edition, and as we prepare for Christmas, we feature the Jollof rice flavors and their role as a versatile spice with hyperlocal applications across Africa. Based on its key insights and Research & Development capabilities, Freddy Hirsch can develop unique Jollof seasoning for Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Liberia.
Can you smell Christmas? We can and look forward to receiving your year-end orders.
Welcome to the seventh edition of our ‘A Taste of Africa’ newsletter!
Kojo Brifo
Managing Director, Freddy Hirsch Nigeria
Flavor of the month
Our flavor for the month is the African Jollof, a seasoned dish of rice, tomatoes, and spices that has attained almost mythical status in West Africa.
At its base, it is stewed rice with tomatoes, onions, vegetable or olive oil, habanero (or scotch bonnet) pepper, tomato puree (or tin tomatoes), stock cubes, thyme, curry powder, ginger, and garlic. Its spices, ingredients, and cooking methods slightly vary between households and countries, but the basic elements of rice, tomatoes, and onions remain the same.
Find out more about our African Jollof flavors here
You can also watch our video on our African Jollof here
Source African flavors based on authentic insights
Freddy Hirsch has invested in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Research, Development, and Application laboratory and extensive networks that enable it to derive authentic insights from customers, meet their unique taste preferences of the regional market and develop competitive solutions in culinary, bakery, confectionery, and dairy.
We also offer our customers Naira trading and predictable OPEX, speed to market, due to local sourcing, non-FX issues, and shorter lead times, among others.
Find out more about our Value Proposition here
Freddy Hirsch in the news
Managing Director of Freddy Hirsch Nigeria, Kojo Brifo shared his perspective as a food scientist on the unending #Jollofwars between Nigeria and Ghana. While highlighting the creativity of African delicacies, the history of Jollof, and the unique recipes, he urges for an expanded focus on amplifying African cuisine, one food at a time. Please read the article here.