global village
Here at Suzanne Barr Food, we are reshaping our community by sharing traditions, discovering new customs, understanding the importance of sourcing ethical ingredients and recipe preservation techniques that disband culinary biases and realign connections to our cultural foodways.
Let’s talk about Nigerian suya spice
Get ready to crave a spice you’ve likely never tasted before. Suya!
One of the most popular Nigerian street foods is a beef kebob called Suya (pronounced “sue-ya”). The spice used to marinate it is called either yaji (prounouced “YaA Gee”) or suya.
Suya spice is a dry peanut based rub, typically used for marinating meat. It has a nutty, spicy, and smoky taste with delicious onion and garlic undertones. You’ll find most Nigerian homes will have this spice within reach, ready to use.
In fact, even though it is known for marinating beef before grilling, you can use it for almost anything. We’ve seen some sprinkle it on roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled eggplant and courgette, or even on rice noodles!
It is an incredible condiment to use on really anything that needs a little extra spicy kick.
Some Nigerians believe that suya is an aphrodisiac. So you will sometimes find two different sets of the spice in a home, one for the parents and the other for the children and guests (this is usually a mild version.)
Spicesinc.com gives a nice brief history on the Yaji spice, please see below, but also check out their website. (we are not affiliated with them, we just like what they have to say on the subject)
“The History of Yaji Spice
Most food historians attribute the origination of Suya to pastoral nomads such as the Hausa tribes of northern Nigeria, Cameroon, southern Niger, Ghana, and Sudan. Spiced meat was grilled on bamboo skewers or their daggers over a campfire to make the first versions of Suya. In Hausa, Suya means to fry1.
In Nigeria, it is called Suya. In Cameroon, it is called Soya. In Ghana, it is called Chinchinga or Sitsinga. Yaji refers to the seasoning mix, which typically includes ground peanuts, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili pepper. The flavor is complex, and the aroma is strong but pleasant. Heat levels vary depending on the cook, but the depth of flavor is consistent2.
Like Mole in Mexico, Suya has been called a unifying factor in Nigeria3 and has become the national dish with different regions claiming that their recipes and preparation methods are superior.
There is no standard recipe to produce the complex mixture of spices which make up the Suya and the spice mix served with it. The flavor is complex, and the aroma pleasant, but strong. Heat levels and spiciness vary depending on the cook, but the flavor is the draw that will make you overeat if you’re not careful.”
sources are https://spicesinc.com/seasoning-blends/suya-yaji-spice
Just got this email from a mailing list we subscribe to. We are not affiliated with them, but just thought to share this information and action alert for US folks
From the Earthjustice.org website
Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs has just proposed to re-register a neurotoxic pesticide for use on our food and in our environment even though that pesticide has been linked to learning disabilities and behavioral disorders?
It’s time for real change. The EPA is collecting comments for the public to weigh in on the risk assessment for malathion and we have until September 16 to urge the EPA to protect children and farmworkers from exposure.
Why we love Hibiscus Flowers
We love Hibiscus flowers. If you’ve been a part of our membership, you would have seen that we used it in 3 different recipes over the past 6 months.
From refreshing drinks to face masks, this amazing, beautiful plant has inspired us due to its richness in various nutrients that can unlock the natural beauty of your skin, hair and overall health.
During our celebration of the lesser known Caribbean Islands, “Karibe Fete,” we wrote about the benefits of using hibiscus flowers to make a homemade face mask. Below is a snippet for you to enjoy.
By creating your own skincare at home, you can be sure that you know what you’re putting on the biggest organ of your body and feel good that you’re giving it the best of the best. Not only that, but you can achieve long-lasting results in a cost-effective way.
Hibiscus flowers are nourishing and you can reap so many benefits from them.
In fact, according to Caribbean heritage magazine “Hibiscus is sometimes called natural botox. The Hibiscus flower oil is believed to have skin, smoothing and tightening properties that earned it its nickname. Hibiscus is a skincare powerhouse because it is high in alpha-hydroxy acids that speed up the shedding of old and regeneration of fresh new skin. Hibiscus may also help the skin take in and maintain moisture due to the high content of sticky hydrating mucilage contained in the plants.”
To look for other ways to use this beautiful plant, check out
A wish for a life that you deserve
Stumbled upon a man that inspired this post. His work, which appears to be done for the love of life and all its creatures. He educates people about what we should be eating to not only heal but to keep diseases and such away. While those things are insightful and meaningful, the thing that stood out at that moment was a simple post about his daily work. In it he said he was “walking in my purpose, flourishing in my gifts and living in my passion”
That!!!!!
We want that for all of us.
So today, let’s start.
BREATHE IN:
I AM WALKING IN MY PURPOSE
BREATHE OUT:
I AM FLOURISHING IN MY GIFTS
BREATHE IN:
I AM LIVING IN MY PASSION
BREATHE OUT:
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THIS LIFE
We got this Fam!
Much love to you
Consider the people who feed us
Have you ever thought about the people behind our food?
The tireless souls who work to put meals on our tables, often facing hardships and dangers unknown to many of us. Field workers endure extreme conditions, such as sweltering heat, with farm workers being significantly more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Access to basic necessities like breaks, water, and shade becomes a crucial lifeline in safeguarding their well-being.
Tragically, some agricultural workers experience conditions akin to modern-day slavery, enduring physical and psychological abuse while living in deplorable settings. Despite being the backbone of a multi-billion-dollar industry, farm workers remain among the most impoverished and vulnerable groups in North America. Their struggles encompass hazardous work environments, inadequate pay, and the sacrifice of children’s education for basic survival.
The systemic issues plaguing the agricultural sector, from exploitation to lack of regulation, demand our attention and action. While some progress has been made, much work lies ahead to ensure that those who labor to feed others are treated with dignity and respect. It’s imperative to shed light on these injustices and advocate for meaningful change to create a fairer and more equitable food system.
You can show solidarity by supporting your local farm worker unions/organizations
“The farm worker movement is for everybody” Reyna Lopez PCUN Executive Director
Watch a short doc
https://youtu.be/r4FO7CRl6kY?si=q3oJ9MTynYWX1_5R
Learn more at
https://foodchainworkers.org/programs/
If you’re in N America
We the Land!
A Gathering For Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, SWANA & PoC Earth Workers, Land Stewards & Farmers
August 2 – 4 | Northampton, MA
Why We Support Unions and You Should Too
This month, our focus is on highlighting the importance of unions and showing up to offer our support. Picture unions as allies for workers, like having a dedicated team by your side through the ups and downs of the job.
They’re the partners who are dependable and stand up against unfair treatment, who are always advocating for better conditions.
When workers unite through a union, they become a powerful force to be reckoned with. They can address issues like discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and unfair treatment.
But it’s not just about looking out for workers—unions also contribute to making businesses better. By championing fairness and equality, they foster happier, healthier workplaces where everyone can thrive.
In essence, unions represent collective strength, where workers join together to amplify their voices and drive positive change. It’s akin to having a support network that is robust, that empowers individuals to stand up for what’s right and forge a brighter future together.
Yet, unions encounter challenges, from weak labor laws to resistance from employers. This is where our support matters. By backing our local unions and advocating for workers’ rights, we can help shape a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.