Introduction

Every country has its own distinctive staple food. The relevance of this staple food cannot be dismissed lightly. These foods are usually high in fiber since they are carbohydrate sources. Starch-based staple foods are energy boosters. Zimbabwe has Sadza, South Africa has Pap, and Tanzania has Ugali. These staple foods are made from processed maize or cassava to make a meal. 

Origins of staple food

The general fact is that the population cannot go without these foods. It is worth noting, that these crops that make up the staple food are premised on the prevailing weather conditions faced in these different countries. Suffice it to say some are made from drought-resistant crops which is a bonus given the climate change-induced droughts being faced. In Zimbabwe, farmers are very much into maize, despite it not being an indigenous crop. Consequently, this explains why maize became the staple food. Issues of readily being accessible play a part in what a country settles for as its staple food. Whether one is rich or poor, a person is able to access staple food. 

A variety of crops are used to make sadza

Eating traditional foods is now a mantra. The crops such as sorghum and millet are commonly used for making sadza. Variations in the food are in a bid to spice these dishes. Needless to mention, variety is the spice of life.  There are many ways to cook staple foods, in addition to how they are presented before the masses feast on them. For sadza-made made from maize or millet, there is one way to cook it. 

The unique way of cooking sadza

First, the main meal is put in a pot mixed with water. The mixture is heated to a boiling point.  Equally, some people note that sadza cooked on fire is different and tastier than the one prepared on stoves. After that, it is stirred up until you have a firm product of nicely down mouthwatering sadza. This can be eaten together with vegetables and meat to spice up the dish. The way to cook such a staple food defines the heritage of African countries. It clearly distinguishes one race from the rest of the population. 

The nexus between tradition and staple food

Traditions are not only denoted by the way we speak. Instead, how people conduct their daily lives through the clothes they wear and the food they eat all make up a holistic picture of what makes an individual distinguished as African. With time, you realise the whole exercise upholds the value and blessing of having food set on the table. Also, it acknowledges that meals are meant to be shared to strengthen the family unit.  The spirit of unity that is Ubuntu is promoted as a family share over a pot of sadza, talking over their day’s proceedings. Undoubtedly, that brings in a sense of belonging and purpose.

Conclusion

After everything has been said and done, Africans should be proud of their identity.  What better way to show uniqueness than through the dishes that are prepared? Sadza is a symbol of the relevance of eating and having staple foods. Every country should be proud of its national diet.