Yummy food creations from fresh produce that is in season.

Food is the essence of life. Everyone likes good food hence the formulation of idioms such as that the way to a husband’s heart is through his stomach and that we eat with our eyes. Food plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of mankind.

It is the harvesting season in Zimbabwe and there is an abundance of fresh local food products such as groundnuts and pumpkins. Instead of just boiling these foods, there are other creative ideas of cooking them. Here is a list of local foos items that can be turned into award winning delicacies.

1 Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a good source of vitamin A. The traditional way of cooking them is buying simply boiling them and adding salt. However pumpkins can be used to make pumpkin pie, pumpkin puree with cinammon and fresh milk and you can roast them in the oven with a little salt and pepper. The pumpkin leaves and flowers can be boiled and smothered in peanut butter for a healthy, delicious and nutritious meal.

2 Roundnuts

These are packed with anti athritis components and can help manage diabetes. Roundnuts can be boiled together with corn and groundnuts to come up with a delicious meal called ‘mutakura’. It is healthy and filling. However Roundnuts can be boiled, smashed and turned into roundnut patties that can be heated in oil and served.

3 Sweet potatoes

These are produced in mass and are a local favourite. They are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Although people usually just boil them, a lot can be done with sweet potatoes.You can make a sweet potato casserole or baked sweet potato fries which are healthier than regular potato fries. You can also have candied sweet potatoes for dessert and serve with ice cream.

4 Roundnuts

Roundnuts are full of minerals and protein. They can be boiled with salt and then dried up. This recipe is a hit with beer lovers who like to snack on the dried roundnuts. Dried roundnuts or peanuts can also be added to ice cream and salads to give a crunchy finish.

5 Lemons

These are in abundance at the moment and very cheap. Those with lemon trees in their yards can use them innovatively to come up with lip smacking meals. Lemons help in aiding weight loss, improve skin quality and promote hydration. For starters, lemons can be infused in water for a healthy thirst quencher. Simply add a few lemon slices to drinking water and enjoy. Lemons can also be used to make lemon fancy cakes, lemon meringue pie and lemonade.