Accra: Ghana’s indigenous food products are attracting patronage in Germany’s culinary sector, projecting a bright future for Ghanaian-Germanic food tourism.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Otto Pfeiffer, a renowned chef from Northern Germany, emphasized the potential of Ghana’s shea butter, melon seeds, and baobab powder not only as substitutes in the German market but as health products that are gaining attention.
Speaking at the residence of Mr. Daniel Krull, the German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pfeiffer highlighted the versatility of melon seeds, known locally as ‘agushie’, as a nutritious alternative to soya beans for Germans with soy allergies. He noted that the dwindling export of soya from Brazil due to climate change could open substantial investment opportunities for northern Ghana.
Mr. Pfeiffer also praised shea butter from northern Ghana, describing it as essential in creating unique German flavors for confectionery and bakery products. He explained that using shea butter in cooking would be advantageous in Germany due to its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional butter.
Additionally, Mr. Pfeiffer mentioned the potential of baobab powder as a flavor enhancer in various dishes and desserts, suggesting it could replace German apples in some recipes. He is currently in Ghana with Madam Esther Mumuni, who collaborates with him in creating fusion cuisines for the 836th anniversary celebration of Hamburg, a city in Northern Germany.
The German Embassy has launched the ‘New Northern Dimensions – Delights from Northern Ghana and Northern Germany’ project as part of the celebration. This initiative aims to merge culinary creativity, cultural exchange, and diplomatic outreach, fostering deeper connections between the regions through innovative fusion cuisines.
Madam Mumuni, a culinary artist, advocates for ongoing food festivals to emphasize local but modernized dishes. She highlighted the potential of fonio, a millet from northern Ghana, as a healthy and versatile product for the European market, suggesting it could be a significant export opportunity for Ghana.