Bringing Liberia Home: Unique West African Souvenirs

Pepper History of Liberia

In 1461, Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra reached the Liberian coast, marking the start of outsiders' knowledge of this region of West Africa. Subsequent Portuguese explorers, drawn by the allure of the exotic Melegueta pepper, led to Liberia becoming known as the "Pepper Coast" or "Grain Coast" due to the abundance of this valuable spice, also called "grains of paradise." At that time, spice was nearly as valuable as real gold, making the country a major trading commodity in the region during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Melegueta Peppers

The Melegueta pepper has a warm, mildly peppery flavor with subtle notes of citrus, ginger, nutmeg, coriander, and a slight sweetness. It carries a gentle heat that adds complexity to dishes without becoming overly intense. This unique taste has made Melegueta pepper a sought-after spice in various culinary traditions. Melegueta pepper became a trendy replacement for black pepper in Europe. Chefs around the world liked its unique flavor. It wasn't only for food – they even suggested using it to freshen up not-so-fresh-smelling wine. 

Melegueta Peppers can be purchased in select stores in Monrovia

The value of pepper, or the "grains of paradise," was a spice and widely used in medicine. Thus, due to its rich components, melegueta pepper was primarily used to tackle infectious and inflammatory diseases.  European traders engaged in barter, exchanging various commodities and goods with the local population. This trade facilitated economic growth for Liberia and established cultural connections and exchange, shaping the region's history and leaving a flavorful legacy that resonates in its name as the  "Pepper Coast."

Explore Liberia's spice trail at bustling local markets around the country, such as Monrovia’s Waterside Market. Here, you can experience the aromatic world of Liberian food, produce, and spices. 

Liberica - Liberia’s Own Coffee!

Did you know that one of the world’s four types of coffee beans is native to Liberia? Liberia's coffee history dates back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra reached the Liberian coast with coffee beans and named landmarks like Grand Cape Mount and Cape Mesurado. At one point, Liberia produced up to 5% of the world’s coffee. As tourists explore Liberian food heritage, one local brand they won't want to miss is Brisco Natural Coffee. 

Photo credit: Brisco Natural Coffee, Facebook

Brisco Natural Coffee stands out for sourcing and promoting Liberia's indigenous Liberica beans. Liberica has a bold, earthy, and slightly fruity flavor. As the only farm that grows and produces coffee and coffee products sold in Liberia, Brisco Natural Coffee is a must-try for tourists visiting the country.

Beyond their signature Liberica coffee, Brisco Natural Coffee offers a diverse range of specialty products, such as minty and lemongrass coffee, fusion tea, eucalyptus tea tree coffee, instant coffee, etc. They also sell coffee, tea, sugar scrubs, and coffee-infused oils for skin and hair care.

Photo credit: Brisco Coffee, Facebook

Brisco’s whole bean and ground Liberica coffee and tea make the perfect souvenirs for those looking to bring a taste of Liberia home. You can pick up these products at the Curated Gift Shop on Rehab Road, Paynesville. To explore more products and make purchases, feel free to reach out via Brisco Natural Coffee's Instagram.

Liberian Golden Honey 

Liberia offers an enchanting array of unique souvenirs that capture the essence of its cultural heritage and natural abundance. At the forefront is Liberia Pure, a homegrown brand committed to creating top-quality "Proud to be Made in Liberia" products that uplift the local community and economy. What began as a social enterprise aiding beekeepers to find a fair market for their honey has flourished into a thriving business.

Photo credit: Universal Outreach

Other than honey, Liberia Pure’s offerings include cold-pressed virgin coconut oil for cooking and coconut body oil for skin and hair. Another product I love is their all-natural coconut oil-based soap bars, offered in six captivating scents: honey, coconut, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and rose. Check their website for a list of supermarkets, spas, hotels, and stores in Monrovia that carry their products to bring a piece of Liberia's rich culture and natural beauty back home.

Photo credit: Universal Outreach

Sweet Side of Liberia - Chocolate

Discover the sweet side of Liberia with chocolate crafted by Liberian Cacao Corporation, a local company dedicated to ethical entrepreneurship. Liberian Cacao Corporation offers a range of delectable chocolate bars, including 70% and 80% dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and creamy white chocolate. These treats are made from locally sourced cocoa beans, reflecting Liberia's ideal climate for cocoa farming. 

Photo credit: Liberian Cacao Corporation

Photo credit: Liberian Cacao Corporation 

If you’re in Monrovia, make sure to pick up these artisanal chocolates at the Stop n Shop store or at the Royal Grand Hotel. They’re from Liberia's only chocolate factory, so you can’t miss them. For a deeper dive into the world of Liberian chocolate, keep an eye out for upcoming factory tours. The tours will show how cocoa beans become chocolate with educational sessions and hands-on workshops. Future offerings might include customized chocolate and chocolate-covered fruits. To book tours, you can contact them through WhatsApp at +231770931324, or through their website. 

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