Favorite American Foods You Didn’t Know Originated From Africa

Apr 29, 2024 10:00AM ● By Gift Joe

Image: Gumbo, which includes okra, spices, and other ingredients with roots in Africa. J Doll, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you think of American cuisine, what comes to mind? Probably burgers, pies, pizza, hot dogs, barbecue, and the like. But do you know that some of these seemingly "American" staples have fascinating African origins?

There is a probability that something you ate or drank today was first brought to America by slaves from Africa. Different types of food have been brought over to America throughout history. You may be wondering how food originating from Africa became staples in American cuisine. During the Transatlantic slave trade, many Africans were forcefully taken away. Some were said to have snuck seeds and plants on slave ships as a way of retaining a trace of their cultures. Slave owners reportedly also requested seeds of foods that enslaved Africans were used to eating as the unfamiliar foods in America were making them sick. These enslaved Africans brought their culinary tradition along and over the years, these foods have found their way to American tables so much so that they are mistakenly attributed to American origins.

Let’s get started on some of these delicious dishes of African origin that are loved in America.

Rice dishes

Jambalaya. Source: jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Most of the rice dishes that are enjoyed on American dining tables have their roots back in African cuisine. African slaves reportedly taught foreigners how to properly irrigate a rice field and thus grow rice. This staple food across Africa can be made in different ways, being one of the main bases for many dishes. A number of these adaptations have strong ties to African cuisine.

One such is Jambalaya (mixed rice, meat, and vegetables). This is one of the most famous dishes in America that originated in Africa and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It begins with a rice base and incorporates a variety of flavors. Another is rice pudding.

Okra

Dileep Kaluaratchie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

People from the southern part of America are very familiar with this delicious African food exported overseas. Known for its slimy texture when cooked, okra is rich in nutrients and a good option for fitness lovers and those who love to eat vegetable foods. In the United States, okra is commonly used in dishes such as gumbo, where it adds flavor and acts as a thickening agent. As far as the cooking styles of okra are concerned, there are different ways to go about it. It can be fried or cooked with other meals. You will find an amazing range of variations of this dish all over America.

Black Eyed Peas

Toby Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This was exported from Africa to America through the slave trade. In the period of slavery, the black-eyed peas, along with other legumes, were provided as the source of food on the ships carrying slaves. Today, the highly nutritious black-eyed peas are eaten all around the US and Americans make incredibly delicious dishes with them. Rich in nutrients, black-eyed peas are the key ingredients in some famous American dishes, such as Hoppin' John.

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Spices

Alvinategyeka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From chili peppers to black pepper, and allspice, African cuisine incorporates a variety of spices, which have all found their way into American cooking traditions. Another African export that has found its way into American cuisine is curry. Though it is largely identified with the Asians, reports have it that its origin can be traced to Africa from the time of early railway construction to Uganda, when the British imported a lot of Indians who came to Africa with curries.

Kola Nuts

Isaac Gyemfi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Among all the delicious African food that is famous in America, this one has really made its significant mark. Though not a common ingredient in American cuisine anymore, this West African stimulant is believed to be a key ingredient in Coca-Cola's secret recipe. It gives a distinctive flavor to the beverages.

Watermelon

Photo by Any Lane

The list would be incomplete without watermelon. Originating in Africa, watermelons have become a symbol of summer picnics across the US, particularly in the South. Though there has been a debate about its origin, the fruit is believed to have been domesticated in ancient Africa and later introduced to other parts of the world, including the Americas. Watermelon is now grown in different parts of America and has become one of the people’s favorites. It can be eaten whole, or used for smoothies, juice, and other flavored drinks.

Next time you dig into a plate of Jambalaya or savor your rice pudding, take a moment to appreciate the rich African traditional cuisine that flavors these seemingly "American" dishes.