Families often gather around one plate, and the act of eating together strengthens relationships and community bonds.
At first, I felt unsure because eating with my hands was new to me. The texture was also different from foods I usually eat at home.
After trying a few bites, I began to feel more comfortable. Nshima is very filling and warm. Sharing the meal with others made me feel welcomed. I realized that the experience of eating together was just as important as the food itself.
The maize is dried, ground into a fine flour called maize meal, and then cooked with water. When it is finished cooking, it becomes smooth and dense. It is usually shaped into a round mound and placed in the center of a plate.
Nshima is closely connected to the environment in Zambia. Maize grows well in the warm climate and rainy season. Because it is widely grown across the country, it is affordable and easy to find.
Many families grow maize themselves or buy it from local farmers. The vegetables served with nshima are also grown locally and depend on the season. This means that the food people eat is directly connected to the land and the weather.
