FOOD OUR UNEQUIVOCAL HERITAGE II

ÌyanuOlúwa Fágbiyè T.

 From a typical Nigerian perspective this was inspired by my first write up on food being our unequivocal heritage with hopes that this inspires you to think differently about food today. The Nigerian cuisine is bound by three major religion and ethnic group. But, can be understood in-depth when viewed regionally.

Nigeria a multinational state inhabited by over 250 ethnic groups with over 500 distinct languages. Nigeria is geographically located in West Africa considered to be the most populous country in Africa with over 200 million people. There is more to Nigeria than what the mainstream media portrays. There's more to Nigerian cuisine than the food wars that happens intermittently online where poll is made on who makes the best Jollof rice amongst fellow African nations. 

Our food speaks volume, speaks life, it speaks our language and we look like our food. Don't we?  The South, East, West and Northern part of Nigeria contribute and have a huge role they play in the food system. The relief, soil type,  climate, ecology and vegetation make all these possible. Even if some  claim these foods didn't originate in Nigeria and  they were introduced by the colonial masters / explorers. Some may even be more specific and say it was borrowed from country/continent like - Asia, China, Italy, United States, etc. Guess what? those dishes you might be thinking of or can make reference to have been localized. Culture contact is inevitable as every culture tend to borrow from one another to survive. Every society clamour for survival hence, acculturation and enculturation will always be a channel for diffusion of cultural elements. Food is an aspect of culture that can't be overlooked because it is a necessity for every human.

The world started in a place of the unknown gradually, the unknown is becoming  clearer by the day as it is being deciphered by the knowledgeable. But note, having an encompassing food system obviously isn't enough because for it to be sustainable for generations yet unborn and for them to have something to make reference to — more work is needed. From documenting happenings around food, to making the world understand the science behind our cuisine — the anthropological point of view and history surrounding food needs to be told. Like I said in one of my recent captions (Story Telling when it comes to food can't be more satisfying and properly told if the history and origin of each ingredient isn't mentioned. And I must say when you use natural ingredient they tell and do the story telling themselves when used to cook decadent treats.) 

Food connects us as a whole. Humanity in it's entirety can't do without food in fact it keeps the world going which clearly justifies the old quote that says 'Food is life' indeed it is with the diversity in culture and tradition from place to place food stands out. It is one industry that embraces what it means to be human it is one thing that gives assurance of tomorrow. The food industry is interwoven from the farm, to the market down to the kitchen where delicacies are made every sector has a role to play in achieving and putting food on your plate. Without doubt the massive work and input from those in the hospitality industry who have continued putting Nigerian cuisine out there can't be overlooked.

Nigerian cuisine have gone through series of rebranding over the years and rebranding is still on going making those "borrowed dishes" more Nigerian in nature, transforming and understanding the science behind our cuisine, styling them uniquely, making them in a more presentable manner for the outside world to see and appreciate the beauty that's embedded. It's not hearsay that the transformation started decades ago (because it is evident) but things keep improving and to our surprise the best is yet to be seen.

Even as we strive telling the stories, the people behind such innovations shouldn't be left out their own stories ought  to be told because they inspire those upcoming and obviously those who are yet unborn. They'll always make reference to them because indeed they've inspired the world with their legacy, innate gift and talent lives on even when they depart this world. Many thanks to everyone in the food industry from farmers, food bloggers, sylists, writers, photographers, chefs, home cooks, food tasters, critic and enthusiast who continue promoting the Nigerian cuisine ensuring it fits in the food World map. 

In conclusion, food is a huge part of our cultural identity we reverence food, we continue pushing out food ideas  from a confined space because we appreciate food, because we've learnt from those who started it and passed it down to the present generation that it is an art, it is our life and it is our heritage.