Simply the Bao-Best! The African Chef at Chilli Fiesta
History
Malcolm Riley, a self taught chef, recipe creator and entrepreneur
behind 'The African Chef' brand, was born and raised in Zambia. He
moved to the UK 15 years ago carrying with him a real passion for
food, coming from his Mother's great love of cooking.
The African Chef a proud man as he receives 2 Devon Life Food & Drink awards in 2013
After working in the natural and organic health sector for over 10 years he started a business venture to create his own food brand. With start up funds of just £500, he realised his ambition, using locally sourced UK ingredients (primarily from Devon) combined with highly nutritious and sustainable African Tree Foods.
The Goal
Sustainability and seasonality of produce is something we admire
here at West Dean Gardens. But as a charity, we also commend the
way Malcolm's brand aims to help those who really need it.
'The African Chef' brand has the capacity to raise awareness and help double the income of poor rural communities in Africa. Tree Foods including Baobab, Moringa, Shea and Safou have the potential to support a more sustainable farming system, improve food security and help lift poor rural communities out of poverty. A portion of profit from every item sold by The African Chef also goes to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
The Products
The African Chef brand has evolved into creating 25 different
varieties of delicious African inspired jams, sauces, baobab
fruit and chilli condiments, all combining ingredients sourced
from both Africa and the UK. These tasty treats have won a variety
of accolades since Malcolm's brand came in to being, including the
Gold Award (Savoury Marmalade) at The
World Marmalade Awards and Best Food
Product in Devon (Baobab Chilli Jam).
(above - a worker harvests the baobab fruit plus Limpopo's Sunland Baobab Tree Bar inside a gigatic Baobab tree…watch here)
What the African Chef will be bringing to the 20th West Dean Chilli Fiesta
As well as his great regular range of products, the African Chef has teamed up with the sustainable UK farming experts Barfoots to develop some very exciting limited edition chilli condiments and sauces, using locally sourced chillies and available to you exclusively at the West Dean Chilli Fiesta!
Barfoots are excited to be following West Dean Gardens' lead and bringing British chillies, grown right here on the south coast, to the Fiesta this August. These include both the bhut jolokia and the brain strain - both super hot and full of flavour. So remember to come and visit The African Chef stand when you arrive at the 20th West Dean Chilli Fiesta and experience the amazing flavoursome products on offer!
Watch the African Chef in action…
My Recommendations
As a fan and regular buyer of the spicy treats that the African
Chef has on offer. I thought I'd round off this blog with a few of
my personal favourites that will be available for you to have a
dribble over at the 2015 West Dean Chilli Fiesta:
African Spice Paste; a warm, rich and delicious paste. Inspired from "Berbere', an Ethiopian red pepper spice paste, using red wine, which adds depth and results in a full flavoured, divine and mouth watering condiment. Ideal as a dip, marinade or to enrich a sauce or gravy.
Curry Ketchup; An exotic blend of African & Indian spices combined with creamy coconut. Delicious with seafood or simply with fish & Chips.
Caramelised Chillies; This unique blend of herbs, spices, fresh onions garlic, ginger and hot fruity scotch bonnets are cooked long and slow until the chillies begin to caramelise. The ultimate must have condiment for chilli lovers, being versatile with bags of soulful flavour. No barbecue (braai) should go without it! Perfect with cheese, fish, chicken, steak or roasted veg. Add to your cooking or simply use as a relish, chutney or super hot marinade.
Products available from www.theafricanchef.com and at the West Dean Chilli Fiesta (7, 8, 9 August 2015)
