James McCann Interviewed on Chicago Public Radio on African Culinary History

James McCann, Professor of History and Director, ad interim at the Frederick S. Pardee Center, was interviewed about Africa’s rich food history by Jerome McDonnell for Worldview on WBEZ, the public radio station in Chicago. The interview is part of the occasional Food Mondays series. McCann is the author of Stirring the Pot: A History of African Cuisine, and is an expert in African culinary and environmental history.

“Food is the daily practice that we take for granted,” says McCann in the interview.

In the age of the “foodie,” the interview centers on Africa’s overlooked cuisines and food history. McCann reviews the influence of African cooking abroad, and outside influences to the continent. The interview covers variations in region by staple starch, and customs.

“The notion of street food, is historically in some places, in Africa not everywhere. Ghana historically had street food. In Ethiopia, it’s changed just a little bit now, but historically, you do not eat in front of other people in a public place, you don’t walk with something that you are munching on down the street.”

To listen to the complete interview click here.