Food Habits in the African Continental Country of Zambia Zambia is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful, friendly, diverse and unspoilt countries on the entire African continent. It is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. The famous Victorian Water Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the largest waterfall in the World and offers breath-taking views that are almost too spectacular and majestic to describe. It is located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The size of Zambia is 20 times bigger than Kerala, while the population is less than half of Kerala. Zambia is divided into ten Provinces and the Capital city of is Lusaka. 1. Nshima: Nshima is the staple carbohydrate of Zambia. It is made from corn that is processed into a fine white powder called ‘mealie meal’. It is cooked by mixing the corn meal with water which is brought to the boil as porridge (similar to grits). More cornmeal is added until it develops a thicker texture and women artistically turns it into a lump with a special spoon and is served with vegetable or non vegetables dishes. Nshima is deliciously served at the home of an ordinary man as well as at boutique hotels. 2. Vegetables: Vegetables are mostly of leaf items. They range from Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Tapioca leaves, Pumpkin leaves, Rape, Okra and so on. They are mostly half cooked in water seasoned with tomatoes and is often without much spices. Many of the vegetables leaves are dried and preserved to use during the time of scarcities. 3. Meat items: Zambians eat a lot of meat of different animals. They are not just satisfied with the flesh alone, but so say they eat the whole animal. For example in the case of chicken, their legs entangled with intestine are one of the delicacies. Chicken wings and drums too are sought for. Cow hoofs, brain and tongues are equally in demand. 4. Beans: Dry beans is one of the vitamin supplements used very widely n Zambia. There are a variety of beans. This is indispensible for the children at their different stages of growth. 5. Fish: Though the country lacks sea costs, it has many fish ponds and lakes. People often prefer dry fish to frozen fish. Fish too is served as it is without removing the head, tail or even the scales. 6. Worms: Different types or worms too are a delicacy. Often they are available at the beginning of monsoon. They are dried and preserved for the off season too. The young and the old equally hunt and harvest them during the rains. They are a sort of pickle. 7. Mice: Rats are much sought after and are available at the market for sale. Mice are often barbequed. They seem to be more tasty and salty with its fur and skin. 8. Drinks: Traditional drinks are part of every culture. The traditional drinks of Zambia are Munkoyo, Thobwa and Chibwantu. Munkoyo is a non-alcoholic beverage in Zambia. It is found among many tribes in Zambia. Different tribes enjoy different types of traditional beverages like Thobwa and Chibwantu. It is a refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed especially in the hot season as a cold drink. They are made from maize meal and the roots of the Munkoyo tree. Traditionally people gather around the food and eat form the common plate. The communitarian aspect of sharing of food and eating from the same dish is very much prevalent among the ordinary people. The food habit of the people have evolved in the course of time and is related to the culture and land. Today more than ever, health is related to the food habits too. Listen to what a farmer tells: “I wouldn’t want to change my diet, most of my family members don’t suffer from any serious non-communicable diseases and I strongly feel it’s because of our diets,” he said. “Being a farmer is much better because we grow what we eat”. I have a variety of crops for the diet of my children to keep them healthy. This is why I enjoy agriculture because that is where I get most of my food, and what I feed my children and take my children to school."
