Ghanaian Delicacy Fufu As A Representation Of African Culture

Cultures and traditions are important in separating countries. They can help you to distinguish between them, even if they don’t have the same geographic location. The dictionary defines culture as the collection of customs, ideas and social behavior that are unique to a people or a society. It is important to understand that culture can be highly subjective when trying to adapt or understand different cultures.

The thumbs up is not the same in every culture. It may be widely accepted around the world as a gesture of approval, but it can also mean disrespect in certain Middle Eastern countries. This also applies to the “OK” signal (pressing your index finger and thumb). Richard Nixon’s trip to Brazil in 1950 is probably the most infamous example. After arriving in Rio de Janeiro and flashing the “Ok signal” to a crowd, they immediately booed him. Also, we notice that the clothing styles vary significantly between cultures. Food is another important cultural factor that should be taken into consideration. It is often a great experience to travel and try the food of another country. Eating is a great way to learn about another culture.

In this experiment, I’ll be examining the Ghanaian “FUFU”. This specific delicacy is one that I have a strong emotional connection to. When I was growing up, my grandmother would always treat me to African foods. The food she grew eating herself. Even though I didn’t like some of what she made, the bottom of a FUFU plate was something that I could never get enough of. FUFU remained a constant reminder of my mother and the memories we shared. In order to do so, I have decided to give you a little more information about this scrumptious Ghanaian recipe.

Foofoo, or fufu as it is also known in some countries in central and west Africa, is an extremely popular dish. This African delight is made from starchy ingredients like yams or cassava. They are then pounded into small balls and boiled. It can be a laborious process to pound them, and most people use a mortar-and-pestle. Fufu is often eaten with stews of meat, fish, or vegetables, and can also be dipped into sauces. It is a staple food on the African continent. However, fufu was invented in Ghana.

Once you have finished cooking, the trick is to eat it. Be aware that in some African countries, like Ghana for example, using your right hand to eat can be considered disrespectful. Left hand is used when cleaning yourself (i.e. using the toilet), and right hand for eating, human contact, etc. Fufu is also eaten with your hands, unlike most of the food in Ghana.

You will find two bowls with water on your table. You use one bowl to wash your hand before eating and another after. You must first make a small depression in the fufu before you can eat it. After placing the fufu in your mouth and without chewing it, you then swallow. Without chewing, yes. Although this is a concept that many people find difficult to understand, African culture dictates that it’s customary.

Author

  • valentinomcintyre

    Valentino McIntyre is a 39-year-old blogger and schoolteacher from the United States. He is a dedicated father and husband and has been married to his wife for over 10 years. Valentino has a vast amount of experience in the education field, having worked as a teacher for over 15 years. He is a prolific writer and has been blogging for over 10 years. His blog is a source of information and inspiration for parents and educators.