Where is Guinea?

Ginjan and Guinea are synonymous with one another, at least in the countryside, where it is available at every turn and vendor stand.

Guinea is one of the rainiest places on earth and Conakry is one of the most heavily rainy capitals on earth–but that doesn’t stop the people of Guinea from always smiling, moving forward and enjoying their "ginjan".

Located in West Africa, Guinea is bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Mali, The Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean.  The capital city, Conakry, is built on a peninsula that extends out to an extinct volcano, which became the inspiration for “Treasure Island”. It is a land that is beautiful and rich with interesting growing climates for produce, due to the mixture of sweltering heat and heavy rain.

History of Conakry

Conakry, the capital city of Guinea, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The region was initially inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Susu, Peul, and Malinke, before the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Conakry in the mid-15th century, followed by the French in the late 19th century. The French established a trading post in Conakry in 1884 and made it the capital of French Guinea in 1904.

During World War II, Conakry played a crucial role in the Allied war effort. The city served as a base for American and British forces, who used it as a launching pad for the invasion of North Africa.

In 1958, Guinea became the first French colony in Africa to gain independence, and Conakry became the capital of the newly formed country. The first president of Guinea, Ahmed Sékou Touré, oversaw the country's transition to independence and made Conakry the center of his efforts to build a socialist state.

In the decades that followed, Conakry experienced rapid growth and development. The city became a hub for trade, commerce, and industry, with a bustling port and a thriving economy.

However, political instability and economic turmoil plagued Guinea in the latter half of the 20th century, and Conakry was not immune to the unrest. In 2007, the city was rocked by a massacre of pro-democracy protesters, which drew international condemnation.

Today, Conakry is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. It remains an important center of trade and commerce in West Africa, and its historic landmarks and cultural institutions continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Guinean Flavors

Guinean cuisine reflects the diverse ethnic groups and cultural influences of the country. Rice is a staple in most Guinean dishes, accompanied by a variety of sauces, stews, and soups made with vegetables, meats, and spices. One popular dish is "mafé," a peanut sauce served with meat or fish, and "fouti," a dish made with cassava leaves and meat. Other popular dishes include "saka saka," a spinach stew, and "tigadèguèna," a grilled meat skewer. Guinean cuisine also features a variety of fresh fruits, including mangoes, papayas, and bananas. Tea is a popular beverage, often served with mint and sugar, and of course, the famous "ginjan" made of ginger and pineapple.

The flavors of Guinean food are rich and earthy, with a lot of eggplant and tomato combination, especially with rice. Bread is a big favorite as well, especially the Tapalapa Bread, which originally originated in Gambia. The traditions and flavors of Guinea are not really known to people who are stateside–as they see the west coast of Africa as a far off place, rather than the rich individual regions it contains.

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The Ginjan that the Ginjan Bros grew up drinking was everywhere throughout the city. Vendors had it at the ready and it represented a job well done, a school day finished, another happy day completed. The goal is to bring that same balance and calmness to your life with the offerings on our Shop, and in the GinjanCafé located in Harlem and Brooklyn, NYC.