Ziriwo rechembere ziramba waravira
The unattractive relish of an old lady should be rejected only after tasting it.
Tsanagudzo
Usashore kana kusaedza chinhu nekunyengedzwa nezvinooneka nekunze.
What the Words Say
The unattractive relish of an old lady should be rejected only after tasting it.
What It Means
One must not be put off by appearances. Similar to - do not judge a book by its cover.
Cultural Context
It is sometimes common to consider who is preparing something for you and how it looks. In this manner it was observed that some people would refuse to eat relish prepared by an old lady either because the relish does not look good or because one does not trust the old lady's cooking. However due to her experience she may be able to cook a most tasteful dish. Hence with this allegory, our ancestors were teaching us to not be fooled by appearances.
How It's Used
The proverb may be used mostly, but not exclusively, on men to advise them not to be swayed by outward appearances. It teaches us the importance of knowing someone or experiencing something before making a judgement because you may be wonderfully surprised. Its a polite warning that one must not be quick to dismiss.