Abará snack

Abará is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dish deeply rooted in the culinary culture of Bahia. It consists of a bean paste made from black-eyed peas, seasoned with ingredients like dendê oil (palm oil), dried shrimp, and ginger, and then steamed in banana leaves. Unlike acarajé, which is fried, abará is healthier and has a soft, moist texture.

Historically, abará finds its origins in the Yoruba region of West Africa and was brought to Brazil during the colonial era through the African diaspora. Today, it is a staple of Brazilian 'Comida de Santo' and a popular street food sold across the country, particularly by Baianas de Acarajé. While it is often homemade or artisanal, some companies have begun offering pre-packaged or frozen versions to cater to modern consumer preferences.

The global ownership of the 'Abará' concept does not belong to a single brand but rather remains a shared cultural heritage of the African-descendant communities in Brazil. However, when sold under commercial brand names, production is almost exclusively located within Brazil, utilizing local agricultural products of the Northeast region.