This trilingual vocabulary guide covers fruits, vegetables, and food staples in English, Ewe (Eʋegbe), and French celebrating the rich culinary heritage of West Africa and the Volta Basin region.
Tropical Fruits
Iconic fruits of West Africa and the tropics.
Banana Ewe: akɔɖu Fr: Banane |
Mango Ewe: maŋgo Fr: Mangue |
Pineapple Ewe: atɔtɔ Fr: Ananas |
Pawpaw / Papaya Ewe: adiba Fr: Papaye |
Watermelon Ewe: dzamatre Fr: Pastèque |
Ewe: abladzo Fr: Banane plantain |
Jackfruit Ewe: Jackfruit Fr: Fruit du jacquier |
Ewe: evo Fr: Corossol |
SoursopCitrus & Berries
From citrus to berries, these fruits add zest and sweetness.
Orange Ewe: aŋuti Fr: Orange |
Lemon Ewe: lemɔ Fr: Citron |
Lime Ewe: dɔŋu Fr: Citron vert |
Grapefruit Ewe: Grapefruit Fr: Pamplemousse |
Grapes Ewe: wein Fr: Raisins |
Fig Ewe: gbo Fr: Figue |
Passion Fruit Ewe: Passion Fr: Fruit de la passion |
Tangerine / Mandarin Ewe: akutu Fr: Mandarine |
Tree Fruits & Nuts
Fruits and nuts harvested from trees across West Africa.
Coconut Ewe: yevune Fr: Noix de coco |
Avocado Ewe: avoka Fr: Avocat |
Apple Ewe: yevutɔ Fr: Pomme |
Cherry Ewe: Cherry Fr: Cerise |
Dates Ewe: Date Fr: Dattes |
Tamarind Ewe: Tamarind Fr: Tamarin |
African Star Apple Ewe: Alasã Fr: Chrysophylle |
Baobab Fruit Ewe: adido Fr: Fruit du baobab |
Staple Crops & Root Vegetables
Essential staples that form the foundation of West African cuisine.
Cassava Ewe: agbeli Fr: Manioc |
Yam Ewe: ate Fr: Igname |
Sweet Potato Ewe: anagote Fr: Patate douce |
Cocoyam / Taro Ewe: maŋkani Fr: Taro / Macabo |
Breadfruit Ewe: yevuzi Fr: Fruit à pain |
Maize / Corn Ewe: bli Fr: Maïs |
Millet Ewe: eƒo Fr: Mil / Millet |
Sugarcane Ewe: sukli-tsi Fr: Canne à sucre |
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables essential to West African cooking.
Tomato Ewe: tometo Fr: Tomate |
Okra Ewe: fetri Fr: Gombo |
Eggplant / Garden Egg Ewe: gboma Fr: Aubergine |
Cucumber Ewe: aŋanyi Fr: Concombre |
Pumpkin Ewe: aŋanyiwo Fr: Citrouille |
Onion Ewe: sabala Fr: Oignon |
Garlic Ewe: ayo Fr: Ail |
Ginger Ewe: kakadro Fr: Gingembre |
Spices, Herbs & Leaves
Aromatic spices and herbs that define West African flavors.
Pepper / Chilli Ewe: atadi Fr: Piment |
Cinnamon Ewe: kotoklobo Fr: Cannelle |
Clove Ewe: pepre Fr: Clou de girofle |
Turmeric Ewe: turmerik Fr: Curcuma |
Lemongrass Ewe: tigbé Fr: Citronnelle |
Moringa Leaves Ewe: baba Fr: Feuilles de moringa |
African Locust Beans Ewe: Dawadawa Fr: Graines de néré |
Nuts, Seeds & Legumes
Nuts, seeds, and legumes rich in protein and flavor.
Groundnut / Peanut Ewe: azi Fr: Arachide |
Cashew Nut Ewe: yevutsã Fr: Noix de cajou |
Shea Nut / Shea Butter Ewe: yɔku Fr: Noix de karité |
Almond Ewe: Almond Fr: Amande |
Soybean Ewe: soya Fr: Soja |
Sunflower Seed Ewe: ɣe ƒe keklẽ Fr: Graine de tournesol |
Beans Ewe: ayi Fr: Haricots |
Guava Ewe: gowa Fr: Goyave |
Beverages, Oils & Specials
Drinks, oils, and unique ingredients of West African culture.
Cocoa Ewe: koko Fr: Cacao |
Coffee Ewe: kɔfi Fr: Café |
Cola Nut Ewe: kola Fr: Noix de cola |
Palm Oil Ewe: dzomi Fr: Huile de palme |
Palm Wine Ewe: de ha Fr: Vin de palme |
Olive Ewe: olifi Fr: Olive |
Akee Apple Ewe: Atsiàà Fr: Akée |
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