Thumpy Rose Our previous article focused on the rich and flavorful food ingredients one can expect when creating Zimbabwe traditional food. However, we did not mention other popular African vegetables, derere, where does okra come from, edible pumpkin leaves, or the exotic African spider plant food. Food defines the culture of a people, each morsel of food consumed brings you closer to understanding their cultural values: Hence, our journey to learn about African through food and attach local names to the food taste. In this article, we will dive into Zimbabwe traditional food vegetables. If you want to be in the loop about how to prepare them, subscribe to our newsletter to be notified monthly.
Derere: key among African vegetables
Where does okra come from? I am sure you are probably thinking Okra is quite common in most African parts including Europe and America. Well, I have got a surprise for you. Shona people call okra derere, while the Ndebele people call it idelele. Okra is also one of the popular vegetables to expect in Congo food. The Congolese call it dongo dongo.
Zimbabwe traditional food recipe for Okra (derere) is quite delicate and involves mildly stewing the Okra with bicarbonate Soda. The bicarbonate Soda breaks down the tough skin of the okra to form a sloppy broth. Some Shona people add tomatoes to the broth to make it rich and tastier. Health experts encourage mothers who are pregnant to consume Okra during their term as it has amicable nutritional benefits. With this, you can confidently answer where does okra come from.
Related: Spices That Are Made In Zimbabwe
MuBoora: humble Zimbabwe traditional food
Zimbabwe has a diverse and rich background of vegetative plants like muBoora, edible pumpkin leaves which are nutritious. One such plant is the pumpkin which has runner stalks that produce fluffy leaves which are quite delicious. The pumpkin plant leaves are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.
The Shona name for edible pumpkin leaves is MuBoora. To recreate the Zimbabwe traditional food recipe, skin the pumpkin leaf stalks. Chop the leaves and boil them in water to make them soft. This Zimbabwe vegetable recipe often goes along with local staple food. Some people prefer adding other ingredients such as peanut butter to the Boora. Other local people prefer adding fresh chilies to heat up the dish. Would you add derere?
Rare plant in Zimbabwe traditional food: Munyevhe
Munyevhe African spider flower-is a common vegetable relish for Sadza, despite its bitter taste. The recipe for cooking spider plant food, Munyevhe, is quite straightforward. Boil the leaves of the plant and rinse them to remove grit since the plant grows close to the ground.
The African spider flower grows during the rainy season. Traditional families in rural areas harvest plant leaves and stalks which are tender and delicate. Families from farms travel to nearby towns early in the morning to sell Munyevhe to the locals. This African plant makes up a chunk of Zimbabwe’s African vegetables due to its high-value nutritional benefits.
In Conclusion
Some of the best food derives from the soul of a culture. Zimbabwe spider plant food among other local recipes serve the locals a bountiful flavor and nutrients. All Zimbabwean meals and Zimbabwe food products, as well as kitchen ingredients, are all about a balanced and nutritious diet. Backyard gardens supply a chunk of the ingredients and Zimbabwe food products that you can use when preparing dishes; hence they are cheap and affordable. Explore some popular traditional Zimbabwe vegetable recipes here.
So, what did you make of these Zimbabwean vegetables, have you had time to try them out? Give us your feedback and comment below. Curious about a no-animal-meat food lifestyle? peep instagram to see what I eat live😊.
