How to organise an African pantry: 15 essentials and sound habits

A useful pantry is not measured by the number of packets. It helps you cook several meals from familiar products that remain visible and are used before their date.

A versatile foundation

• Rice, beans, black-eyed peas and one or two flours suited to your recipes.
• Canned tomatoes, unsweetened peanut paste and cooking oil.
• Ginger, chillies, pepper, stock and spices you genuinely use.
• Dried leaves or fish selected for specific dishes.
• Plantain, yam or cassava in quantities you can store.

Organising and rotating

1. Group by family and keep labels readable.
2. Move dry goods to clean airtight containers when appropriate.
3. Mark opening dates and place older products at the front.
4. Regularly check moisture, smell, insects and packaging integrity.

Practical tip

Do not buy an ingredient merely because it appears on a list. Start from four or five dishes you actually cook.

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FAQ

Should spices be refrigerated?

A cool, dry and dark place is generally better. Follow the label, especially after opening pastes and moist products.