Margaret Malochleb

Margaret Malochleb

Berry Bissap

Berry Bissap hibiscus teas come in four flavors and are made with organically grown and ethically sourced ingredients from Northern Ghana.

Essie Spice

Vegan sauces and spice blends incorporate influences from Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe to add spice to marinades, stews, and more.

Fonio pilafs

Made from millet, fonio is a nutty-flavored grain that serves as the basis for Yolélé Foods’ ready-to-eat Fonio Pilafs, available in five varieties.

Organic hibiscus tea

Berry bissap crafts its line of hibiscus teas using West African hibiscus and indigenous spices organically grown and ethically sourced from Northern Ghana. A staple in West Africa, Berry Bissap’s spiced hibiscus teas are infused with organic fruit and are free of caffeine, chemicals, and artificial coloring.

Four flavor varieties are offered: Original preserves the classic taste of hibiscus tea and can be enjoyed with fresh fruit or as an addition to a mocktail. Cinnamon Citrus features African cassia cinnamon along with Cara, tangerine, and grapefruit peels. Mixed Berry is infused with Hudson Valley strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries and can be enjoyed on its own, mixed with seltzer, or garnished with fresh herbs. Pineapple offers a burst of tropical flavor with its infusion of organic pineapple slices and peels.

Berry Bissap hibiscus teas can be found at Whole Foods and select retailers on the East and West coasts for a suggested retail price of $26 for a four-pack of 12-ounce bottles.

Vegan sauces and spice rubs

Sauces and spice blends from Essie Spice are crafted in small batches using traditional West African ingredients and cooking methods. The blends reflect influences from Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, creating a seamless fusion of flavors.

Essie Spice’s vegan products can be used as glazes, dips, marinades, or cooking sauces for a wide variety of foods, including savory seared proteins, veggies, stews, soups, cocktails, and desserts. Four versions are available: Mango Chili Medley, a blend of sweet mango, Vidalia onions, and Jamaican Scotch bonnet peppers; Mekko Dry Rub, an aromatic and versatile spice rub with a blend of Asian and West African spices; Tamarind Oh!, a sweet and tangy sauce made with tamarind, guava, ginger, and vanilla; and Coco-For-Garlic, a coconut garlic sauce that adds spice to stews or soups.

Essie Spice blends can be found online at essiespice.com for a suggested retail price of $10 for a 6.5-ounce jar of spice rub or $11 for a 10.5-ounce jar of sauce.

Ready-to-eat pilafs

Fonio pilafs from Yolélé Foods are inspired by traditional dishes and flavors of West Africa and are ready to eat in just five minutes. By turns bright, earthy, spicy, and savory, the meal accompaniments come in five versions.

Made from millet, fonio is a nutty-flavored grain that serves as the basis for the pilafs. The Jollof version is accented with tomato, onion, and bell pepper, while Greens! features a bright blend of leek, scallion, and parsley. Afro-Funk is made with dawadawa, the fermented seeds from the locust bean tree, complemented by scallion and mushroom for a deep umami flavor. Yassa emphasizes sweet onion, smoky habanero, and citrus flavors, while Dakar Curry puts warm turmeric front and center, accented by a pop of sweet currants.

Fonio pilafs from Yolélé Foods can be found at select retailers nationwide and online at Amazon for a suggested retail price of $7 for a 7-ounce bag.

About the Author

Margaret Malochleb, Associate Editor, [email protected]
Margaret Malochleb