Table of Contents
OUR INGREDIENTS
Here’s an overview of each ingredient, including their origin, characteristics, culinary and health benefits, and information on where they’re grown in Cameroon:
Vegetable Powders
Carrot (Daucus carota)
– Origin: Middle East and Europe
– Grown in Cameroon: North West, West, and South West regions
– Characteristics: Sweet, crunchy, and colorful
– Culinary benefits: Adds sweetness and texture
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Fresh, green, and curly
– Culinary benefits: Adds freshness and flavour
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
– Origin: South America
– Grown in Cameroon: Most regions, particularly in the North West and West
– Characteristics: Juicy, sweet, and tangy
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and moisture
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium
Garlic (Allium sativum)
– Origin: Central Asia
– Grown in Cameroon: North West, West, and South West Regions
– Characteristics: Pungent, savory, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and depth
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamins C and B6, and antioxidants
Celery (Apium graveolens)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Crunchy, fresh, and mild
– Culinary benefits: Adds texture and flavour
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A, K, and potassium
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
– Origin: Middle East and Africa
– Grown in Cameroon: Most regions, particularly in the North West and West
– Characteristics: Fresh, citrusy, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and freshness
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants
Onion (Allium cepa)
– Origin: Central Asia
– Grown in Cameroon: Most regions, particularly in the North West and West
– Characteristics: Sweet, savory, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and depth
– Health benefits: Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants
Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
– Origin: Central and South America
– Grown in Cameroon: Most regions, particularly in the North West and West
– Characteristics: Sweet, crunchy, and colorful
– Culinary benefits: Adds sweetness, texture, and flavour
– Health benefits: Rich in vitamins C and A, and antioxidants
Herbs
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
– Origin: India and Southeast Asia
– Grown in Cameroon: Not commonly grown, but available in markets
– Characteristics: Yellow, earthy, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and color
– Health benefits: Rich in curcumin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
– Origin: Southeast Asia
– Grown in Cameroon: Not commonly grown, but available in markets
– Characteristics: Spicy, warm, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and warmth
– Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and digestive enzymes
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Piney, herbaceous, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and fragrance
– Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and cognitive-boosting compounds
Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Mild, savory, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and depth
– Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and anti-inflammatory compounds
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Pungent, earthy, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour, aroma and depth.
– Health Benefits: Has antimicrobial properties, anti fungal, bacteria and viruses growth inhibition. Neuroprotective, boost immune system and support heart health.
Thyme (Thymus vulgare)
– Origin: Mediterranean
– Grown in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Minty, savory, and aromatic
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and fragrance
– Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and antimicrobial compounds
MushRooms
Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
– Origin: Africa, Asia and Europe
– Grown in Cameroon: Available in markets, but not commonly cultivated
– Characteristics: Delicate, mild, and tender
– Culinary benefits: Adds texture and flavour
– Health benefits: Rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants
Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)
– Origin: East Asia
– Grown in Cameroon: Available in markets, but not commonly cultivated
– Characteristics: Earthy, rich, and savory
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and texture
– Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins D and B, and immune-boosting compounds
Dairy/Plant-Based Ingredients
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Milk Powder
– Origin: Tropical regions
– Produced in Cameroon: Available in markets, but not commonly produced locally
– Characteristics: Creamy, rich, and dairy-free
– Culinary benefits: Adds creaminess and flavour
– Health benefits: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and fiber
Nutritional Yeast Extract
– Origin: East Asia, Europe and North America
– Produced in East Asia and North America: Available in markets, but not commonly produced locally
– Characteristics: Nutty, cheesy, and vegan-friendly
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and nutrition
– Health benefits: Rich in protein, fiber, and B vitamins
Salts
Sea Salt
– Origin: Worldwide coastal regions
– Produced in Cameroon: Available in markets, particularly from the coastal regions
– Characteristics: Coarse, crunchy, and savory
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and texture
– Health benefits: Rich in minerals and electrolytes
Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt
– Origin: Himalayan Mountains
– Produced in Pakistan: Available in markets, but not commonly produced locally
– Characteristics: Pink, coarse, and mineral-rich
– Culinary benefits: Adds flavour and texture
– Health benefits: Rich in minerals and electrolytes
Meat and Seafood
Organic Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)
– Origin: Domesticated in Africa and Southeast Asia
– Grown all over Cameroon: particularly in the North West, West, and South West Regions
– Characteristics: Lean protein, rich in vitamins B6 and niacin
– Culinary benefits: Versatile, tender, and flavourful
– Health benefits: High-quality protein, low in saturated fat
Organic Beef (Cow – Bos taurus)
– Origin: Domesticated in Africa, Middle East and Europe
– Grown in Cameroon: particularly in the Extreme North, North, North West, West, and South West regions
– Characteristics: Rich in protein, vitamins B12 and iron
– Culinary benefits: Tender, flavourful, and versatile
– Health benefits: High-quality protein, rich in iron.
Seafoods [Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and Bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata)]
– Origin: Worldwide oceans
– Sourced in Cameroon: Coastal regions, particularly in the Littoral and South West
– Characteristics: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals
– Culinary benefits: Versatile, Flavourful, and nutritious
– Health benefits: Heart health, brain function, and immune system support.
When combining these ingredients, we always consider the following:
– Balance flavours: by mixing the herbs and spices to create harmonious flavour profiles.
– Texture variety: Combining our ingredient powders; vegetables, herbs, chicken, beef seafoods and mushrooms for added depth.
– Health benefits: Ensuring a balanced blend of nutrients and antioxidants.
– Regional sourcing: We prioritise locally grown and sourced ingredients most possibly.
