If there is anything we excel at, it is bringing you all the relevant nutritional information and recipes for all the high-quality natural products available at Organic Trade & Investments. In this post, we will be exploring some tantalizing healthy meals you can make with our 100% Natural Baobab Powder for yourself or the family. They even pass as tasty refreshments at events. If you don’t know the numerous health benefits of this rich powder, read our previous blog post on the subject. Being an excellent natural source of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, it is critical for immune health, skin health, bone health, mood balance, and recovery from exercise. In fact, research by Oxford Brookes University found that polyphenol-rich baobab fruit extract, baked in bread, reduced starch digestion and glycemic response in humans. You may be wondering how baobab powder tastes – we can promise you’d absolutely love its taste and smell. Baobab powder has a tangy, tropical flavour that blends well with the taste of most fruits. This makes it a perfect ingredient for smoothies. With this being said, you can trust you’ll love the flavour which will make it easier for you to enjoy these baobab powder recipes while getting all its natural nutrients. Baobab Smoothie This is a very simple recipe. Regardless of which fruit smoothie you are making, remember it blends beautifully with most fruits. Add a teaspoon or more based on the quantity or your preference to spice up your regular healthy smoothies. Baobab Tea For ages, teas have been a great source of medicine and refreshment. To make baobab tea, mix 2-3 teaspoons of baobab powder and 8 oz of hot water. Add OTI Raw Wild Honey if desired. (PS: It has a mild lemonade flavour.) Baobab Flavoured Yoghurt Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of this highly nutritious powder over your choice of fresh yoghurt with top it up with some cut fruit. This gives you a wholesome combination of the prebiotics in baobab powder that of yoghurt. Baobab Pancakes & Waffles Using your original recipes for waffles and pancakes, you just need to add 2-3 tablespoons to make them richer in fibre, taste and nutrition. Baobab Sauces Make your sauces richer by adding baobab powder as a thickening agent. It will fit right in your BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, curries, plum sauce and more. We hope you enjoy these recipes specially put together for you. If you don't have your stock of baobab powder, place an order on our e-store .

Ghana is one of the countries in West Africa that grows and harvests Fonio . Unlike other countries in the region, Ghana grows the ' white ' Fonio , only. The texture and appearance is similar to garri, couscous or quinoa. But unlike quinoa, Fonio contains more amino acids, which is good for pregnant women. Naturally 100% gluten-free, Fonio is full of Vitamin B and rich in calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It helps strengthen hair and nails, and build strong bones and teeth, and controls diabetes. Gradually –and finally – the world is getting to know about and appreciate Fonio, once again. Known as the ‘Grain of Life’ or the ‘Hungry Rice,’ Fonio is the smallest and one of the oldest grown and harvested grains throughout West Africa. The grain, which used to be part of the diet of West Africans in the 1970’s became very unpopular –for whichever reason –in the mid 1990’s. Fonio is among the 25 forgotten crops, which is now being rediscovered for its many health benefits. Health Benefits of Precooked Fonio Grain Naturally 100% gluten-free, Fonio is full of Vitamin B and rich in calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It helps strengthen hair and nails, and build strong bones and teeth, and controls diabetes. It also provides energy, detoxes the liver, and prevents anemia. Containing a significant amount of fiber, the ‘Grain of Life’ reduces constipation and bloat. Fonio improves heart health, as it is a low homocysteine food. Ghana is one of the countries in West Africa that grows and harvests Fonio. Unlike other countries in the region, Ghana grows the ‘white’ Fonio, only. The texture and appearance is similar to garri, couscous or quinoa. But unlike quinoa, Fonio contains more amino acids, which is good for pregnant women. How to Prepare Fonio Fonio is very easy to prepare. The Fonio grain can be prepared as a breakfast cereal (porridge) or as a principal meal (rice or couscous) – it is usually accompanied with vegetable stews or spicy sauce. Fonio can also be used in salads or eaten as a side dish. The Fonio grain is milled into flour, which is often mixed with wheat flour for baking. It is also proven that the indigenous people of the Northern part of Ghana have always used Fonio grain to brew beer. Get a Pack of Precooked White Fonio on OTI You can buy your 1kg pack of precooked Fonio or Fonio flour online. #OTIPrecookedFonio #PrecookedFonio #WhiteFonioGhana #FonioGhana

Each day, we discover that nature’s gifts to us keep giving back in numerous ways. Given the way some products are advertised, it is possible to think you need some sort of special prowess or chemicals to make them by yourself. This is why many people would rather stick to buying them at exorbitant prices from multi-million dollar beauty companies. In this blog, you'll learn how to make your own lipstick (Yep! Unbelievable right?) using some of our best-selling organic products here at Organic Trade and Investments; coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter. As fans of sustainability and promotors of the use of organic products, we have brought you knowledge on how you can make an essential beauty product without chemicals and synthetic ingredients that are harmful to you or the environment. We can bet you that this easy DIY recipe can match the bold pigments of today’s hi-tech formulations that are on sale and arguably dangerous to your health. The process is not complicated at all. In fact, it is a simple process of mixing these rich organic ingredients. Notably, all the base ingredients for this product are good for the skin and help to nourish it with all the vitamins therein. The best part is that this is a non-toxic lipstick so there is no fear should you mistakenly ingest it. Shea butter is a moisturizer with healing nutrients that works on dry skin, chapped lips caused by dryness and even heals cracked heels. OTI Organic Ivory Unrefined Shea Butter contains vitamins A, E, F and fatty acids that make it a good addition to a lip product for added nutrients. When used on the skin, beeswax hydrates and creates a long-lasting barrier to the skin against environmental elements and conditions while calming all irritation. Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is composed of saturated fatty acids and loaded with vitamin E which is very good for skin tissue repair. Coconut oil is known to soften the skin and protect it from bacteria that may cause infections. A fine combination of these skin-enhancing products will create the dream product of any skincare enthusiast. What You Need: OTI Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil OTI Organic Ivory Unrefined Shea Butter Food colouring/Berries/Beetroot Unrefined Natural Beeswax Essential Oils. Instructions: 1. Gently heat a teaspoon of coconut oil, a sizeable chunk of beeswax and shea butter until they have totally melted. It is advisable to use a metal melting pot to easily transfer the mixture. 2. Add a few drops of essential oil of your choice (preferably rose oil, chamomile, lavender or jasmine). 3. Add a food colouring and determine the quantity based on how deep you want the colour to turn out. 4. Alternatively, you can use the pure juice from berries or beetroot which has been stored in the fridge for a while. 5. Pour the final mixture into moulds and keep in the freezer until it turns solid. Since this is an all-natural lipstick, make sure you store it in the fridge to prevent it from being affected by the elements. You can use it for up to one month.

If you grow your hair out, I am pretty sure there is a phase you don’t like about it. For a lot of us, it’s the detangling process. Detangling your hair after taking out protective styles or failing to comb through it for a while is a terribly arduous task, almost like a battle with your hair. However, it doesn’t have to be so painful and difficult. We have a highly-praised remedy that you can adopt into your regimen to help you glide a comb through your hair easily – Aloe Vera Gel! This is a safer and healthier option, especially in this modern world where there are thousands of hair products that end up giving more problems than solutions due to their chemical content. Aloe Vera is a very succulent thick frond filled with cool a cool gelly substance. This plant is well-known for its miraculous benefits to the skin and the hair, so much that it is integrated into several products. Aloe Vera can be eaten or used topically on the skin and hair to provide benefits like healing wounds, boosting the immune system, enhancing skin elasticity, hydrating and growing hair and a lot more. It has high water content which is found in the gel and can help in retaining hair moisture, a feature you need to break through tangled hair. To obtain the best results, you need to choose the right aloe vera plant. The Aloe Vera Gel available at Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) is clear in colour, slightly thick and 100% organic. This is a good replacement for fresh aloe vera leaves if you can’t easily access them. With this said, let’s delve into how to use aloe vera for detangling hair. Aloe Hair Spray By now, you might be familiar with using the spray bottle to moisturize your hair. However, this remedy goes a step further by giving your hair a slippery coat to help your comb or finger glide through your hair easily. This makes brushing or combing less painful. You’ll need; ½ cup of distilled water, ½ cup of OTI Aloe Vera Gel, hair oils of your choice ( OTI Cold-pressed Virgin Coconut Oil , Argan Oil, etc…), essential oils. Process: Pour water and gel into a spray bottle Add drops of your desired hair oils to seal in the moisture for longer. (A lot of which are available in our e-store ) Essential oils like Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth or mint for a nice fragrance. Shake the content of the bottle hard to ensure they are nicely mixed. When your mixture is ready, simply spray enough to dampen your hair and moisten it. Proceed to gently work through your tangles from the tip to the root of your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. It should be easier than doing so on dry hair. Aloe Hair Mask This is a much simpler way to use the aloe vera gel for your hair. Whether it is our organic gel or the gel extracted from the fresh leaves, apply it thoroughly to your hair. This can be achieved by dividing your hair into sections and applying it in bits until your hair is saturated with the gel. Wash it out after a while and notice how your curl pattern is restored. NB: It is good to note that, aloe vera is not guaranteed 100% safe for everyone just like any other product or gift of nature. Some people might be more sensitive or allergic to its natural content than others. You can test your tolerance to it by applying a small amount of the gel on a relatively insensitive part of your body, like a patch of your arm or the back of your hand. If you do not see any reaction after a while, you can proceed to enjoy the goodness of this magical plant.

Cocoa Butter also referred to as “the food of the Gods” by the Mayans is a triglyceride . They were the first ones to cultivate the cocoa tree which was called Xocoatl. Records show that the earliest cocoa tree came into existence before 1000 B.C. It was initially used by South American Indians. Aztec and Mayan civilizations are purported to be the highest users of chocolate. This is a type of fat that’s naturally found in cocoa beans and other sources. This butter is simply edible vegetable fat found in cocoa beans. This gives it a mild chocolate flavour or aroma. To obtain the butter, cocoa beans are fermented, dried, roasted, stripped and pressed. The pure cocoa butter that is available for sale at Organic Trade and Investments does not contain any ingredients that are likely to cause problems in most people. However, there are two types: the Pure Organic Cocoa Butter and the Cosmetic and Food Grade . Cocoa butter can be used in several recipes and desserts such as chocolate bars, chocolate brownies and chocolate cake, yet, this ingredient is very useful in organic cosmetics and beauty products. It helps rejuvenate the skin and hair thus its famous use. OTI organic natural cocoa butter is extracted from high-quality cocoa beans nurtured in the high-yielding soils of Ghana – a global exporter of cocoa. Cocoa butter is also beneficial for many health issues, such as liver disease symptoms, high cholesterol, weak bone health, cardiac issues etc… Below are some ways to incorporate cocoa butter into your diet. In chocolate chip cookie recipes. Use as a substitute for gelatin. Vegan dessert recipes. Chocolate bars and truffles. Here are some ways cocoa butter may save your health. Reduced Cholesterol Levels A number of heart diseases are caused by high cholesterol levels. is a risk factor for conditions like heart disease. Cocoa butter can reduce your chances of having a heart attack as it contains stearic acid, which the liver converts into a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. An article by Margaret A Allman-Farinelli, Kerry Gomes, et al highlighted that “Substitution of foods rich in saturated fat with foods rich in high-oleic-acid sunflower oil and margarine has favourable outcomes on blood lipids and factor VIIc. This oil presents another useful source of MUFA for diets aimed at prevention of heart disease”. This implies that acid lowers levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and boosts levels of good (HDL) cholesterol thus, preventing heart attack and other associated symptoms. Declines or Eradicates Liver Disease Symptoms Some forms of liver disease are caused by a choline deficiency. Finding by Fischer LM, daCosta K, Kwock L, et al indicate that “When humans eat diets low in choline, fatty liver is one of the earliest adverse events, and in some people, significant hepatic damage occurs (as assessed by release of hepatic enzymes into the blood) ” Since cocoa butter contains a good amount of choline, it can reduce the risk or manage symptoms of liver disease. Improves Insulin Resistance The ingestion of cocoa products has been shown to reduce insulin resistance. This is a metabolic condition where cells become less sensitive to the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin. According to a paper written by Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Di Renzo L, et al “ The antioxidant effects of the cocoa components may influence insulin resistance, reduce the risk for diabetes or stimulate redox-sensitive signalling pathways involved in the gene expression of endogenous antioxidant defences”. Insulin resistance is the cause of conditions such as prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease and some skin diseases. Improved Bone Health There are some amounts of vitamin K that is found in cocoa butter. Vitamin K helps your body build and maintain bones. Heart-Friendly in Certain Forms According to the medical website, Healthline, “regularly consuming polyphenols is thought to boost digestion and brain health, as well as protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers”. Polyphenol, a substance found in cocoa is beneficial to the heart. Research says cocoa butter may reduce some risk factors for heart disease by lowering blood pressure and improving the health of the blood vessels.

If you grow your hair out, one of the common problems you are likely battling with is dandruff. Dandruff is the nightmare of everyone because of the discomfort associated with it - the smell, constant itching on the scalp and the flakes that fall from the hair anytime it is manipulated. According to Mayo Clinic , dandruff can be caused by a number of things including dry skin, a yeast-like fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps, sensitivity to hair products or other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. It can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard frequently that they leave it scarred and inflamed. Inflammation of the hair follicles can cause damage and subsequent slowing or stopping hair growth, leading to hair thinning. Ginger is a peppery flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia is listed as one of the healthiest spices on the planet. So, how do we get rid of these unsightly white flakes on our scalps while growing fuller hair? GINGER! Ginger has antiseptic that can help in getting rid of dandruff. Research by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan in Indonesia stated that a higher concentration of ginger extract in gel formulation has “better hair growth activity, it showed by longer in hair length, faster in hair growth time and heavier in hair weight from 1st week, 2nd week and 3rd week”. The earliest record of its use dates back to 500 BC . It is considered food obtained from roots and adds a lot of flavour to food. In alternative medicine, ginger is a common ingredient used in concoctions and medicines throughout history. The spice belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal. The part of ginger that is commonly used is the rhizome i.e the underground part of the stem which is often called ginger root or ginger. Whether it is dried, fresh, powdered, juiced or infused in oil, it is common in several recipes across the world – food or cosmetics. At Organic Trade and Investments, our fresh ginger powder and dried ginger roots are obtained from organic farms that grow them using traditional processes. Our ginger is grown under the best climate conditions and on in healthy soil thus, contains no additives whatsoever. How to use ginger for hair Here are some ways to incorporate ginger into your hair care routine in order to invigorate your scalp and grow healthy hair. Ginger juice Ginger juice is quick and easy to make. You just have to cut off an edge of a fresh root and massage the cut end directly onto your scalp for deep penetration. Alternatively, you can thoroughly blend some roots and apply the smooth puree all over your hair before washing and conditioning hair. Ginger hair mask For a ginger mask, you will combine ginger juice, essential oils of your choice, and some oils such as OTI Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil or Argan Oil which are oil good for hair growth. Massage the mixture onto your scalp evenly and cover your hair to allow it to set in. Leave the sap on for up to 30 minutes before washing your hair. For an extra boost, you can yoghurt, lemon or apple cider vinegar to treat the scalp. Ginger oil Ginger oil is made from fresh ginger roots and organic oils. They can be applied directly to the roots of your hair to get the spicy effect in motion. Apply the oil onto your scalp and leave for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing out. Although ginger is a natural substance, it may present side effects in some people. Kindly check with a doctor before use, especially if you take medications or have any pre-existing conditions. Otherwise, you will love the fresh, spicy and invigorating feel of using ginger in your hair.

If you have a sweet tooth as I do or you simply like trying out recipes, here is good news for you. With just four main ingredients, three of which are available in abundance at Organic Trade and Investments, you can make delicious homemade chocolate at home. These are Natural or Alkalised Cocoa Powder, Natural Raw Cocoa Butter and Raw Wild Honey. The best part is, this recipe is wholly organic, sugar-free and dairy-free thus, making it perfect for everybody. The benefits of all the ingredients make dark chocolate a healthy power-packed confectionary. Research suggests consuming cocoa powder can increase your body's anti-inflammatory response, and reduce the risk of stroke and cardiac-related diseases. Researchers in Germany have said substances found in cocoa, fruit and tea could help healthy people keep their heart and circulation in good working order as they get older. In an article by the Guardian , it is stated that “the EU-funded project used powdered drinks provided by Mars which contained flavanols extracted from fresh cocoa beans. But the same substances are found in other foods, such as apples, pears, pomegranate and tea. The study is one of the first to look at the effects of flavanols in healthy people”. A doctor at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Christian Heiss, stated that while most research into the health effects of flavanols was centered on people with high blood pressure or other medical conditions, the latest pilot study suggested the compounds might benefit healthy people too. Cocoa butter on the other hand contains vitamin E that maintains healthy skin and eyes and helps to boost your immune system. Vitamin K helps blood clotting, therefore, enabling wounds to heal quickly. Honey which will be the sweetener in this recipe is famous for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Research has shown that raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus as it naturally contains Below is the step by step process to help you make delicious dark chocolate. Things you need: 1. Double boiler (Improvise by putting a steel pan over a pot of boiling water). 2. Candy molds or chocolate molds. Ingredients 1 cup OTI Raw Organic Cocoa Butter 1 cup OTI Natural Cocoa Powder ⅓ cup OTI Raw Wild Honey (or maple syrup for vegan or if preferred) 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Cooking Instructions Place cocoa butter chunk(s) or pieces into the upper insert of the double boiler (the ban in the hot water bath), approximately get one cup of melted cocoa butter. Be sure no water touches the bottom of the pan or gets inside. Alternately, you can slowly melt the butter in an oven-proof pan at 200 degrees. Pour the melted, measured cocoa butter into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Stir thoroughly to mix well. Fill moulds to suit your preference to get a solid shape. Refrigerate the mould for at least 3 hours to fully harden the chocolates. After this, you can unmold your chocolates as they are ready to eat or stored at a steady room temperature. Storage Instructions: Keep your chocolates at a steady room temperature or in your refrigerator to protect them from fat bloom. This occurs when chocolate is exposed to fluctuating temperatures, rising above 75 degrees Fahrenheit and then dropping in temperature. The cocoa butter rises to the surface and leaves white speckles on the surface. Keep them in well-sealed, cool, dry storage jars. We are leaving you with this short video on how to make homemade chocolate candies with OTI Natural Cocoa Butter . Give it a try and let's know what you think of this recipe.

Consciously or unconsciously, it is very probable to state that, the consumption of cocoa butter is frequent and high in our everyday lives. At any point eaten milk/dark chocolate or any other sweet treats? Yeah, well, cocoa butter is an essential ingredient in these confectionaries and most skin, health, and beauty products. Cocoa Butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans. Also known as theobroma oil, cocoa butter’s beauty and health benefits date back to over 3,000 years. Natural cocoa butter is enriched with several nutritive elements, antioxidants, and hydrating benefits that make it ideal for numerous purposes. But does natural cocoa butter get rid of face scars? Let’s have a close view of some of the uses of cocoa butter and if indeed it is NATURAL COCOA BUTTER FOR SKIN PROBLEM TREATMENTS No one finds it naturally beautiful to have scars especially on the face. In recent times, people who have acne prone skin or are having to deal with scars have been wondering how to get their baby-skin back. Is cocoa butter an agent to get rid of scars naturally? These days, people make their DIYs with cocoa butter for personal use. If one of the purposes is to sell those homemade body creams to earn an extra income, another reason most people and notably women use cocoa butter is rid of stretch marks and scars. Cocoa butter is an awesome antioxidant source, greatly used in the skincare industry for lotions, lip balms, ointments, face, and body scrubs because of its richly moisturizing and anti-aging properties. The vitamins and fatty acids in the butter make it best for skin concerns like stretch marks, eczema, acne, psoriasis, dark spots and are ideal for soothing sensitive skin. The regular use of cocoa butter may slightly help shade off scar's appearance but it will not get rid of those scars completely. NATURAL COCOA BUTTER FOR COOKING One biggest advantage tagged with cocoa butter is the fact that it melts easily over low heat whiles retaining its nutrients and has a very “balanced” fat not likely to spoil when added to the making of food. Cocoa butter can be melted and used in place of other kinds of oil in recipes like cookies, brownies, and salad dressing. Many assume using cocoa butter topically is the only way to benefit the skin, but the good news is, eating cocoa butter also provides many benefits to the skin and general health. NATURAL COCOA BUTTER FOR HAIR MOISTURIZER Improving and maintaining the hair follicle is key for healthy hair growth and this is exactly what cocoa butter provides with its rich vitamins and minerals. It moisturizes, protects, and strengthens whiles adding volume and length to the hair. Cocoa butter can moisturize the scalp with its antibacterial properties, cocoa butter can help moisturize the scalp to prevent dandruff issues and other infections. With the nutritional breakdown of Cocoa butter in its raw and unrefined state, it is clear why the product is highly consumed, used, and adored by many. Get cocoa butter in your closet and be creative with varieties of life-changing “do-it-yourself” products whiles enjoying all its beauty and health benefits . While natural cocoa butter is very versatile and high in fatty acids, making it a great base component for many products and some DIY recipes, cocoa butter can be used as a moisturizer to stop scars from drying out. It is also a great natural beauty ingredient and product that can help keep your skin flowing.

Beeswax is a substance found in the honeycomb. The yellowish substance is made from the natural secretions of bees formed collecting nectar from flowers. The nectar that is ingested by bees to produce honey is then formed into "scales" by eight wax-producing glands in the abdominal region of the female worker bees. Although beeswax is popular in its hardened form, its layers are thin in a fresh honeycomb. There are three main types of beeswax: yellow (available at Organic Trade & Investments), white (bleached, and beeswax absolute (yellow beeswax treated with alcohol). OTI unrefined beeswax is sourced from our natural pure wild honey . In the cosmetic industry, beeswax is used as a stiffening agent and a fragrance in soaps and perfumes. In manufacturing, yellow and white beeswax are used as emulsifiers and thickeners. White beeswax and beeswax absolute are also used to polish pills. It can also be used to produce candles. Beeswax is also praised for relieving pain, fungal skin infections, and other conditions, yet, there is no good scientific research to support these uses. In the face of the numerous uses of this natural product, the question lies: Is beeswax edible? Beeswax is 100% edible! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration includes beeswax on its list of food for human consumption and generally recognized as safe . Beeswax is said to have similarly negligible toxicity to plant waxes and is approved for food use in most countries and in the European Union under the E number E901. However, it is advised not to be eaten frequently, especially in its unrefined state as it can't be broken down in your intestines. Beeswax is used to manage high cholesterol. According to Healthline (a medical blog), “the long-chain fatty acids and alcohols found in beeswax may reduce high blood cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease”. A review by James L Hargrove, Phillip Greenspan, Diane K Hartle (Nutritional significance and metabolism of very long chain fatty alcohols and acids from dietary waxes) stated that beeswax alcohols may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol by up to 29% while raising “good” HDL cholesterol by 8–15%. In foods and beverages, white beeswax and beeswax absolute are used as stiffening agents. It is also used as a food additive , in small quantities acting as a glazing agent. Beeswax is a very common ingredient in most chewing gums. Beeswax can be used to provide surface protection for some fruits to prevent water loss. Pharmaceutical companies also use beeswax in the production of soft gelatin capsules and tablet coatings. In addition to all these ways beeswax is eaten, it is used as a coating for cheese; by sealing out the air, protection is given against spoilage (mold growth). How to use beeswax for culinary purposes ? 1. Beeswax In chocolate Meanwhile, you can add some beeswax to your chocolate next time you make some at home. This will keep it from melting. It gives it a nice shiny coat and can be used for edible flowers and tipping strawberries. 2. Beeswax in baking You can use beeswax in place of fatty margarine to keep the surface of your baking pan new. This also prevents food from sticking in it so much. Simply use a clean cloth to rub beeswax onto the surface and cook with the pans as you normally would. Continually doing this would save you stress over time because the surface will be maintained and there won’t be a need for you to grease them.

To set the year in motion, agribusiness company, Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) has held a meetup for some of its suppliers and partners. The people who have been working behind the scenes to ensure customers get the best of organic products met around a table. This event served as an avenue for them to discuss their achievements and lessons from the previous year while expanding their network. This event follows 2021's get-together held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel that featured staff, clients, friends and well-wishers of OTI. In her address, Managing Director of OTI, Esther Ama Asante expressed her immense gratitude to everyone for the distinctive roles they have played in contributing to the company’s growth. “We really want this to be a tradition and this year if God blesses us, we will do more things together,” Esthy said. Staff of the company and suppliers were treated to mountains of food and drinks at Bosphorus Restaurant & Cafe in Accra, on Saturday, January 8. Present at the event were some representatives of Swiftly Global , a Global Shipping and Freight Company that has worked with OTI to transport some products. The supplier of Organic Aloe Vera Gel and African Black Soap , Fulera Seidu applauded the company's respect for people in the value chain and for paying them what they are worth. On his part, Kassim Seidu who supplies shea butter and other organic products was excited to be part of the meetup and praised OTI's dedication to the highest quality of production. According to him, this is one of the reasons he has been doing business with the company since 2015. The day ended on a good note with all attendants leaving with their bellies full and their hearts filled with the joy of knowing they are valued by their business partner - Organic Trade & Investments (OTI). Organic Trade & Investments is a subsidiary of Global Africa Trade & Investments (GATI); it is a Ghanaian woman-owned Agribusiness, e-Commerce and export trading company that was established out of a strong desire to promote Ghanaian and African products internationally. OTI’s products are 100% organic and made by the indigenous people of the land using traditional methods. You can purchase OTI’s wide range of organic products from the e-store or the Company’s authorized distributors to enjoy their amazing benefits.

The African black soap is made of organic ingredients obtained from parts of West Africa where it is popularly made. It is mainly used for cleansing the skin and is praised for treating blemishes on the skin such as pimples, acne, oily, eczema etc. The African Black Soap sold at Organic Trade & Investments is made primarily of organic shea butter, potash, aloe vera gel and neem oil Each bar is highly effective for whatever purpose it is used for as it is made by the best in the industry who source their all-organic ingredients from indigenous farmers. Some people recommend the use of this soap for the hair due to its healing properties. African Black Soap contains Vitamin A that enhances collagen production which improves your skin’s elasticity and fights off ageing. It is also rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory abilities that soften, soothe and repair your skin. In fact, a study in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research compared African black soap with medicated soaps. According to the research, Black soap was more effective at removing and reducing certain bacteria than medicated soaps. The Shea Butter in the soap also has numerous benefits for your skin. These days, the popularity of African black soap has grown so much that it is being shipped outside Africa to other continents for use in skincare products. However, the question that has been asked by some people is: Does African Black soap lighten the skin ? Truthfully, there is no clear-cut answer to this as the soap works uniquely on different skin types. It heals the skin and enhances your natural skin tone. The African black soap may eventually reduce hyperpigmentation but not lighten your skin as some products do. It works for most skin types without destabilizing the balance due to its carefully selected ingredients. You should know that this natural skin-enhancing soap will not make your skin a few shades lighter as you continue using it; instead, it allows your skin to take a rather natural route towards lightening. According to a research survey , 45% of people admitted being “very satisfied” and 40% reported being “somewhat satisfied” with the using of black soap for reducing the appearance of dark spots on their skin. This was conducted by Dermatologist Dr. Lin while at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Drs. Nabatian and Halverstam were also with Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Division of Dermatology in New York. If you intend to use black soap for lightening dark spots and areas on your body, you can combine it with other natural skin lightening products for enhanced results. If you don't need to lighten affected parts of your body, we encourage you to learn to love your natural skin tone. How to make a mask with African black soap You can use this for your underarms, thighs and other parts of your body that are discoloured from friction or skin inflammation. Dissolve little chunks of the soap in hot water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of honey, and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. Properly mix it and allow it to cool down. Apply it to your face and desired areas. Leave to dry Subtly massage your face then wash the mask off with water. Wipe your area with a clean towel and apply shea butter or preferred oil to restore moisture. Alternatively, you can make a shower gel out of our organic African black soap for frequent use.

As the world evolves and gradually sees the diversity and riches of the African kitchen, some of the ingredients we have been consuming for centuries are becoming more and more discoverable in recent times. Fonio (also known as “hungry rice” or “hungry millet”) is arguably the oldest cereal in Africa. In terms of texture, Fonio is similar to couscous. It cooks in a very similar manner but unlike couscous, it is a grain packed with healthy nutrients and has an earthy flavor to it. It is quite a fine grain, with very small individual pieces that are hard to distinguish raw. But when cooked it almost quadruples in size, which means more value for your money. Aside the great things written about Fonio , It is a fantastic grain because of how quickly it cooks and how well it can soak up any flavor you cook it with. As proud Ghanaians, jollof is one of our favorite meals and it is better to find other healthier grains to use in the place of rice. Without further ado, here is a step-by-step approach to make Fonio Jollof. Ingredients for 2-3 servings 1/2 cup of dry OTI white Fonio grain 3/4 cup veggie broth or water (salt free is best to have better control of salt) 1/4 cup tomato stew 1/2 tsp curry powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (you can add more if you like spicy food) Salt to taste Directions In a pot mix together the spices, broth/water, and tomato stew and let it come to a boil. Make sure to check for salt. Once it starts to boil, add the Fonio grain and cover the pot. Lower the heat and let the Fonio cook for 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes has passed, turn off the heat and keep the pot in place. Do not touch it and do not move it. Let the pot sit for ten minutes. After ten minutes, you can open the cover and fluff the Fonio. Leave for about 30-40 seconds and transfer into serving plates. Serve with stew, salad, plantain or with any condiment of your choice. Enjoy your Fonio jollof! We would love to receive pictures or videos of how your Fonio jollof looks like. You can purchase your White Fonio grain either from Organic Trade and Investments directly or from any of our authorized distributors; BackToEden Healthy Foods .