THE STIGMA ABOUT AFRICAN CUISINE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

A multi-part blog series by LaFortune Jeannette Djabea

Part 1

Coming to America

When I first came to the United States, I was lost. As a born Cameroonian, who

immigrated to the USA, I didn’t know what to eat. The food here was so foreign

to me. As nature has it, one should always try something once to become

accustomed to it or to get used to eating it.

My first meal in America was a chicken burger from McDonald’s. I was

hooked, and that became a place for me to go for breakfast, lunch, and

dinner. Gradually, I started to get accustomed to American food, Chinese,

Mexican, Japanese, and Italian.

Regardless of my taste buds eventually adjusting to other countries’ food, I

missed my culture and looked for ways to maintain my identity. Living in

Atlanta, Georgia at the time, I started looking for Cameroonian restaurants,

stores, or simply any African stores near me.

As I looked for African restaurants, I noticed that Ethiopian and Moroccan

food are the only African countries whose food is known here. The rest of

African food is not recognized as it should be. This made me wonder…How

can the stigma about African flavors be broken?

Though cocoa from West Africa is enjoyed globally in chocolate and

baking, most Westerners are completely unfamiliar with the flavors of

African culture. In Atlanta, African cuisine had begun to gain in popularity in

part due to African Musicians and African clubs that were opening and

providing a closer look into what African culture has to offer.

Luckily, during my search for my cultural food, I came across an African

store and got my provisions there. After living in Atlanta for a while, I moved

to Massachusetts where more African stores exist if you are willing to travel

a distance. There are Ethiopian and Moroccan restaurants in Boston but no

Cameroonian restaurants. I then moved to New Hampshire and discovered

there was nothing about African food anywhere — at least not in Nashua

where I still reside.

In 2016 – 2017, I became excited after seeing there was a Nigerian

restaurant in Hudson. I decided to take a trip. To my dismay, the place was

closed. I realized that although people talk about being adventurous when

presented with an opportunity to try African food, many will change their

tune. I felt that New Hampshire, in general, was and still is missing out on

the diversity of African food, which is more nutritious than much of the food

we eat here.

My question is why? What is it about African food that is stopping so

many from trying it? Stay tuned for my next blog where I attempt to

answer these questions…

Try out our 10 piece-spice blend Kit

Mola Foods spice Blend Kit

Believe in your product.

When I started Mola Foods 3 years ago, it was difficult to get retailers to take a chance on us, and that was a hard pill to swallow; because I believe everyone should be given a chance to shine before doors are closed. Don't just underestimate someone's product without ever trying it. I, however, believe being unique is what makes our strength.

 We created a culture in a bottle with a twist. I can understand the hesitation, but I hoped to spur curiosity by bringing a product people would be proud to have in their kitchen pantry.

 I used to be so surprised to receive dismissive comments about our products because we are so different. These people refused to take the time to learn about our product and that certainly did hurt me a lot. I thought about ways to let people get to know about our products and to get the word out to others.

 So I started going to the Farmers Markets and I was elated to find that people believe in giving local vendors a chance and, that's when I started to see results. More and more people were drawn to our products and wanted to try.

While everyone else was still skeptical, I persisted.  Ultimately, I'm getting traction with a few retailers and, soon I believe more will welcome our products in their stores with open arms.

In memory of my Grandmother

Today I was reminded my grandma Constant wisdom. As an entrepreneur, I have to give myself pep talks to get me going. But one person influenced my life growing up and she will forever be missed. She used to say to me often to never give up and never look at the task at hand with my eyes. Because I’m measuring what’s left to do instead of appreciating what I have so far accomplished.

Today, as I navigate the business world. I can appreciate her views in life and now understand what she wanted me to retain from her teachings.
We are creatures of habits and we are so quick to give up that we never give ourselves a chance to succeed at what we set out to accomplish. When life gets tough we fold. When money gets tough we fold. Those are the moments we have to renew our faith and strategize and buckle up Because we are just starting. "Note to self".

Having excellent culinary skills is powerful, so is creating the right flavor profile for Mola Foods. I remember seating at my grand mother's feet, watching her create magic in the kitchen. 

I was 10 years old and amazed at how she was able to make food taste so good every time. She never measured her ingredients to create the yummy meals she served us. She was my hero, my reference for cooking perfect meals. Even today, after her passing, I still remember her teachings as if it was yesterday.  I never understood the importance of measuring ingredients until I started to run Mola Foods.  As the head of Mola Foods, I realize, I needed to learn to measure, calculate, and implement recipes. I must say it wasn't easy. I'm still learning that aspect of my craft.  I'm the first to admit that seeing my grandmother replicate the same dish over and over again without ever scaling her recipe is something to celebrate. She was skilled,  knowledgeable, and resourceful. I hope to be that skilled someday.

“The reason why people give up so quickly is that they tend to see the length of the path they have left, rather than see the distance they have already traveled.” ~in memory of my Grandma( Sophie Nkingwe)

Vegan Seasoning Company Adds New, Uniquely Inspired Flavors in a Monthly Box

Vegan Seasoning Company Adds New, Uniquely Inspired Flavors in a Monthly Box

Makes it fun and easy for customers to enjoy exquisite condiments from around the world

NASHUA, New Hampshire (March 20, 2018) — Flavor aficionados who appreciate seasonings, relishes and marinades that have the ability to transform even the most common meals will enjoy Mola Foods Inc.’s four recently-released products. All of the New Hampshire-based company’s uniquely inspired products are fresh and vegan-friendly.

The four new flavors—which are specially-blended seasonings—immerse customers in the traditional flavors of various countries. The flavors are Ethiopian Inspired Blend, Moroccan Inspired Blend, Indian Inspired Blend and Cameroonian Inspired Blend. According to Mola Foods CEO, Jeannette Bryant, the company aims to create culture in a bottle. This means that with each use of the assorted flavors, customers can feel like they have been transported to that specific country. Mola Foods’ products take the guess work out of customers trying to figure out which seasonings to blend in order to get the traditional taste of a desired culture. “We hope to create awareness about a revolutionary way of adding spices into cooking and bringing life to dishes,” Bryant said.

What sets Mola Foods apart is that its seasonings, relishes and marinades are a part of a customizable monthly subscription box, aptly called My Condiments Box. The ordering process is extremely easy. Customers simply visit the company’s website, create an account that takes less than two minutes to complete and then they are free to select the items they would like in their box. Once the order has been placed, the items are shipped directly to the customer. The certified vegan products will arrive ready-to-use at the customer’s doorstep after the 15th of each month. As an added, fun bonus, a mystery item is included in each box every month. Mola Foods has received rave reviews for its distinctive products.

These days, people are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for products that will meet their need for a lifestyle change. Although the products are mainly geared toward vegan and plant-based customers, they are available to everyone and can be used in any type of dish. Mola Foods prides itself on creating tastes and flavors from around the world. The company uses recipes that have survived from a rich heritage and have been passed down from generation to generation.

Mola Foods also differentiates itself from other companies based on the freshness, quality and authenticity of the ingredients it uses in every bottle and jar. The ingredients are all-natural and have no additives or preservatives. The company’s end goal is to continue to create new flavors, satisfy each customer’s craving for something packed with flavor and to become an essential item in kitchens all over the world—all while maintaining an affordable value. “Mola Foods Inc. is here to satisfy your craving, whether you are looking for familiar favorites or introducing the flavors of culture and cuisine to the next generation,” Bryant says. “It will certainly become your kitchen staple.”

In addition to offering products via monthly subscription, Mola Foods also sells its condiments wholesale through cafes, restaurants and other food businesses. To learn more about the company and its products, please visit www.molafoods.com