Food & Gastronomy

Known as njangsa, Ricinodendron heudelotii remains a cornerstone of culinary tradition in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana, while also serving as a versatile resource for cosmetics, agroforestry, and local economies.

Among the dazzling array of tropical reef fish, the imposter trevally (Carangoides talamparoides) carries a name that speaks to mystery. It is a species often overlooked, mistaken for other trevallies, yet it plays a distinctive role in marine ecosystems and regional cuisines.

Historically, redshanks were hunted for food across Europe, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, they hold more cultural than economic significance.

The mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), a member of the cashew family, is prized not for its fruit but for its aromatic resin — mastic gum.

Recognizable for its shovel-like carapace and succulent meat, this crab has become a highly sought-after delicacy across Asia-Pacific markets.

Among the world’s crustaceans, few capture as much intrigue as the coconut crab (Birgus latro). Known as the largest…

The speckled teal embodies the quiet richness of South American wetlands, bridging ecological function, cultural identity, and gastronomic tradition.

Lemon ironbark, scientifically known as Eucalyptus staigeriana, has long been treasured by Aboriginal Australians for its aromatic properties.

This modest crustacean is far less famous than the Chinese mitten crab or the king crab, yet it plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems and occasionally in regional culinary traditions.

More than a curiosity, this sea duck is a keystone in fragile Arctic ecosystems and a species that has long shaped culinary and cultural practices across Siberia and Alaska. Today, it stands at the intersection of conservation, sustainability, and food heritage.

In the lush understory of New Zealand’s coastal and lowland forests, a shrub with heart-shaped leaves has carried centuries of cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance.

To some, it is an emblem of reef health; to others, it is a delicacy with delicate flavors and cultural resonance. The story of the garish hind brings together biology, gastronomy, and the urgent question of sustainability.