Chinwendu Calista

Published works

2 pieces

Fermentation in African Food Traditions: The Case of Parkia Biglobosa in Plateau State, Nigeria

Across Africa, fermentation has long turned plain grains and seeds into food that keeps and nourishes. In Plateau State, the seeds of the African locust bean become dawadawa, a pungent seasoning that ties the Ngas, Berom, and their neighbours to a wider West African heritage.

10/13/2025 · 8 min

Tradition· Long-Form Article

Roots of Healing: Exploring the Traditional Power of Justicia Carnea, the “Bleeding” Miracle Worker

Justicia carnea, the bright-flowered plant Nigerians call the blood leaf, has long been brewed by traditional healers to enrich the blood. The Yoruba know it as Ewé Èjè, the Igbo as Ogwu Ọbara, names that both translate to blood.

8/5/2025 · 6 min