What is a Kapenta?
The Tanganyika sardine is two species (Lake Tanganyika sardine, Limnothrissa miodon, and Lake Tanganyika sprat, Stolothrissa tanganicae), both of which are small, planktivorous, pelagic, freshwater clupeid originating from Lake Tanganyika in Zambia.
They form the major biomass of pelagic fish in Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi, swimming in large schools in the open lake, feeding on copepods, and potentially jellyfish. Their major predators are four species of Lates which are also endemic to Lake Tanganyika and are related to (but not the same as) the Nile perch in Lake Victoria.
Kapenta Suppliers In South Africa
Is kapenta good for you?
Kapenta Health Benefits
Kapenta is a very healthy food with rich protein, low levels of saturated fats, and high levels of Omega 3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The tiny little fish is also a rich source for micronutrients. These particularly include vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Why is kapenta important?
It is a highly important staple, providing refrigeration-free protein to the people of Africa. A cup of dried kapenta will feed a family.
Dried kapenta is preferred to the slightly bitter dried dagga from Lake Victoria, but poor people will buy dagga because of its lower price.