OUR FAVOURITE FOODS GROWN AND MADE IN ZIMBABWE

EARTH BEST MUSHROOMS
Encouraged to grow mushrooms as a child by her uncle, Marvelous Maninji (above) began her career teaching rural communities how to use farm waste to grow mushrooms to sell for extra income. Recognising that there was an increasing demand from restaurants and hotels as well as individuals, she founded Earth Best Mushrooms in 2014. Her range is fabulous: choose from sundried or fresh; button, oyster, chestnut, portobello or chanterelle, as well as indigenous species such as nhedzi, huve and porcini.

Available in Harare on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Maasdorp Market, 11 Maasdorp Avenue; on Fridays at the Italian Club, Enterprise Road; and on Saturdays at Old Stables Market, Borrowdale Racecourse.
Call: +263 778 880 885.

SHIRL’S DUCKS  
Operating for over 15 years, Shirl’s Ducks is one of the finest purveyors of duck meat in Zimbabwe. With a flock of 2,000, it now breeds other birds such as quail, guinea fowl and indigenous chickens. Its duck eggs (above) are great too: twice the size of a chicken egg, duck eggs have more omega 3 proteins and are used by bakers-in-the-know to make beautifully fluffy cakes.

Available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Maasdorp Market, 11 Maasdorp Avenue, Harare. Call: +263 772 268 565.

LAMB DIRECT
From whole carcasses to premium bespoke cuts (above), Lamb Direct is now Harare’s prime seller of lamb, supplying supermarkets and households alike with its delicious produce. Founded by Allister Banks, whose expertise in raising sheep and goats goes back generations, Lamb Direct’s motto is “Go on – be a hero in your own kitchen!” And with such a fine ingredient, every dish you make is sure to be a win.

Available on Saturdays at Old Stables Market, Borrowdale Racecourse, Harare. Delivery available on request.
Call: +263 772 913 595.

THE GOOD CHILLI COMPANY
Growing up in a children’s home run by American missionaries, Faye Mohamed (above) found the food they served too bland so would go to the caretaker’s garden to pick chillis to flavour her food. A love for chilli was born and in 2020 she founded the Good Chilli Company which specialises in artisanal chilli products such as sauces, marinades and dips. Faye’s secret weapon is the addition of peppadew which helps to balance the flavours – her coconut milk sauce goes wonderfully with grilled fish.

Available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Maasdorp Market, 11 Maasdorp Avenue, Harare. Call: +263 772 925 581.