Food / Love / travel / Health / Relationship

 Cocoyam – The Hidden Superfood of Africa and Its Incredible Health Benefits By Uloma Kassy Gold | ilovekassygold.blogspot.com "Nature is the original masterpiece — silent yet expressive, wild yet healing, mysterious yet familiar. In every leaf, a lesson; in every breeze, a blessing." In the lush, tropical terrains of Africa, nestled deep in the heartbeat of ancestral kitchens, thrives a root vegetable so rich in history, nutrients, and cultural value that it deserves a rightful place among the world's superfoods. Cocoyam, also known as taro or ede in Igbo and koko in Ghana, is more than just a staple — it's a symbol of nourishment, resilience, and natural healing. Often overshadowed by the popular yam and sweet potato, cocoyam quietly nurtures millions with its earthy flavor and medicinal richness. But today, we shine the spotlight on this humble root and reveal why cocoyam should be a permanent guest on your plate. What is Cocoyam? Cocoyam refers to a family of trop...

The Measure Within By Kassy Gold I am not the echo of others’ praise, Nor the silence left when voices fade. I am the breath before the dawn, The truth in trials I’ve walked upon. Not carved from marble or cast in gold, But shaped by storms both fierce and bold— Each scar a badge, each wound a flame, That whispers gently, You overcame. I do not beg the world to see The worth that pulses deep in me. Like roots unseen beneath the tree, My value anchors silently. I am the architect of grace, Not just a smile on someone’s face. My dreams are not a borrowed song; They rise where I have struggled long. I am not broken, lost, or small— I am the rise after the fall. I am not numbers, trends, or scores; My soul’s not kept in ledger drawers. I am the work of patient time, Of choices made when truth was mine. Of standing tall when none would cheer, Of holding hope when none was near. I own my voice, both soft and loud. I walk alone and walk unbowed. For in my chest, a drumbeat sure Declares I’m w...

By Kassy Gold | ilovekassygold.blogspot.com Africa is not just a continent of vibrant landscapes and diverse peoples—she is a living soundscape, where rhythm, speech, and song are foundational to identity, community, and spirituality. African sound is more than an artistic expression—it is a language, a mode of preservation, and a dynamic tool for communication, resistance, and remembrance. To explore African sound is to walk through the roots of civilization itself. The Power of Sound and Oral Traditions In many African cultures, sound is sacred. Speech is not merely functional—it is performative. The spoken word, especially in indigenous tongues, carries spiritual and communal weight. From griots in West Africa to izibongo (praise poets) in Southern Africa, oral traditions are central to preserving memory, genealogy, wisdom, and moral codes. African languages are tonal, rhythmic, and often musical by nature. The tonal variations in Yoruba, Igbo, Zulu, or Shona, for exampl...

“In every African kitchen lies a story. And in every pot of soup, a secret ingredient with roots deeper than tradition.” Among the treasures of African cuisine, Ogbono—the humble wild melon seed—stands tall. Known for its unique slimy texture when cooked and its bold flavor profile, Ogbono has graced Nigerian pots for generations. But beyond its culinary appeal lies a wealth of cultural heritage, nutritional richness, and transformative power. What Is Ogbono? Ogbono, also called wild mango seed or bush mango, comes from the Irvingia gabonensis tree native to West and Central Africa. The seeds are flat, brown, and highly oily. Once dried and ground, they become a powerful thickening agent in soups and stews. Popularly used in southern Nigeria, Ogbono soup is a staple in Igbo, Yoruba, and Delta households. It’s not just food—it’s a symbol of home, warmth, and identity. --- Culinary Uses of Ogbono Ogbono is most famous for its use in Ogbono soup, a richly textured delicacy lov...