I thought that when I explain the different spices I use for Chez Fadi's sauces, I absolutely had to include the award-winning Penja pepper. What makes this pepper so special? This pepper, native to Cameroon, is cultivated in the Moungo Department around the town of Penja. This is where the name Penja pepper, or Poivre de Penja in French, comes from. Since 2013, it has been the first pepper from Africa to receive a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), and only the second worldwide after Kampot pepper. The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI, French: Indication géographique protégée (IGP)) is used to distinguish traditional and typical specialties of a clearly defined region. There are currently only three pepper varieties worldwide with IGP certification: Kampot IGP pepper, Penja IGP pepper, and Sarawak IGP pepper. Penja pepper is known by other names such as bird pepper, hidden pepper, or Cameroonian treasure and is available in…

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, also known as country onions, are on the list. Rondelles are the fruit of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus, a tree in the Huaceae family, native primarily to Central Africa. Their aroma is strongly reminiscent of onions and garlic, hence the name "country onion" and the tree's designation as a "garlic tree." Thus, rondelles can replace 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…

The second candle was lit for the first time some time ago, and we've visited the Christmas markets several times since. In some regions, the first snow has already fallen, and soon it will be time to light another candle on our Advent wreath. We'll do this again in our own special way, by embarking together on the discovery of another spice: pèbè/bèpè. Pèbè/bèpè, scientifically known as Monodora myristica, is also called false nutmeg, although I would prefer the term African nutmeg. It's a very delicious and intense spice from the tropical regions of Africa. Profile Name: Pèbè or Pébé Scientific name: Monodora myristica Origin: Tropical regions of Africa Culinary use: As a spice for fish and meat (preferably white meat such as chicken) Medicinal use: Treatment of abdominal pain, high blood pressure… This spice is particularly popular in Cameroon, especially in soups, sauces, and fish dishes. The…

The first week of Advent is already behind us, and soon it will be time to light another candle on our Advent wreath, as we get to know another ingredient together. Today I'd like to introduce you to Essesse/Esèsè or Quatre Côtés, the fruit of the Tetrapleura Tetraptera tree, which is found in tropical Africa, especially in the rainforest regions. The name Quatre Côtés, meaning "four sides" in English, comes from the shape of the fruit, which also has four sides. This wonderful spice is not only suitable for seasoning savory dishes, but its slightly sweet aroma also makes it well-suited for flavoring desserts such as jams, cakes, or tea. Quatres Côtés is not only used in cooking, but also in cosmetics, where it is added to creams to give you wonderfully soft skin. Furthermore, Quatres Côtés has gained a high status in traditional African medicine…