There are drinks that keep accompanying me on my journeys. Hibiscus is one of them. Whether as Sobo (or Zobo) in Nigeria or as Karkade in Egypt – the deep red color, the refreshing taste, and the cultural meaning fascinated me from the very beginning. By now, I even try to carry dried hibiscus petals…
I still vividly remember my very first visit to a market in Nigeria. Between mountains of tomatoes, huge yam roots, and loudly laughing women selling their goods, there were baskets full of small green fruits. “Limes?” I thought. After all, that’s exactly how they look in Europe. I reached for one – and the seller…
When I first heard the term “Mama Put,” I wanted to understand what it really meant. In Nigeria, this is what small food stalls are called where freshly cooked meals are sold. The name comes from everyday language and roughly means: “Mama, put some food on my plate.” What’s typical for Mama Put is that…