Soon all the candles on our Advent wreath will be lit, and Christmas will be within sight. As was the case on the last three Advent Saturdays, this traditional weekend will once again be accompanied by the discovery of another spice. This time, rondelles known as country onions on the list
Rondelles are the fruits of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus , a tree of the Huaceae native primarily to Central Africa. Their aroma is strongly reminiscent of onions and garlic, hence the name "country onions" and the tree's designation as a "garlic tree ." Thus, rondelles can be used as a substitute for both garlic and onions in cooking. The name "rondelles" is more common in Cameroon and French-speaking regions. It is likely derived from the French adjective " rond/rondes " (meaning "round") due to the fruit's round shape. The fruit is also known by other names such as olum or bobimbi.
Incidentally, Rondelles are also used Chez Fadi's Hot & Spicy Red Sauce
This tree has its leaves, bark, and fruit all used. The bark, for example, is used in the production of various spice blends such as Mbongo and Achu Spices . The Rondelles fruit itself is one of the main ingredients in Pepè Soup. It is also often used as a substitute for garlic in various dishes.
Like all other spices in Chez Fadi's spice range, Rondelles also has a therapeutic effect and is therefore used as a medicinal plant in traditional African medicine.
I hope I was able to enrich you with much new knowledge during this wonderful Advent season and reveal a little more about the composition of Chez Fadi's sauce. I would also like to encourage you to try out the different spices in your own recipes.
With that in mind, I wish you a wonderful fourth Advent weekend and see you next time. Don't let the sometimes stressful pre-Christmas season get to you too much, but simply enjoy this lovely time together.
