Liberian cuisine
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Liberian cuisine is centered on the consumption of rice, tropical fruits, vegetables, fish and bushmeat.[1]
Diet
Rice is a staple of the Liberia diet. Other ingredients include cassava, fish, bananas, citrus fruit, plantains, coconut, okra and sweet potatoes.[2] Heavy stews spiced with habanero and scotch bonnet chillies are popular and eaten with fufu.[3]
Liberian cuisine has been influenced by contact, trade and colonization from the United States, especially foods from the American South (Southern food). Liberia also has a tradition of baking imported from the United States that is unique in West Africa.[4]
Bushmeat
Bushmeat is widely eaten in Liberia, and is considered a delicacy.[1] A 2004 public opinion survey found that bushmeat ranked second behind fish amongst Monrovians as a preferred source of protein.[1] Of households where bushmeat was served, 80% of residents said they cooked it “once in a while,” while 13% cooked it once a week and 7% cooked bushmeat daily.[1] The survey was conducted during the last civil war, and bushmeat consumption is now believed to be far higher.[1]
Endangered species are hunted for human consumption in Liberia.[5] Species hunted for food in Liberia include elephants, pygmy hippopotamus, chimpanzees, leopards, duikers, and other monkeys.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Extinction is forever: A crisis that is Liberia's endangered wildlife", Wynfred Russell, Front Page Africa, 15 January 2014.
- ^ "Celtnet Liberian Recipes and Cookery". Celtnet Recipes. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
- ^ "Liberia". Food in Every Country. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
- ^ "The Baking Recipes of Liberia". Africa Aid. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
- ^ a b "Poaching in Liberia's Forests Threatens Rare Animals", Anne Look, Voice of America News, May 08, 2012.