Sometimes you can buy a powder in the supermarket that is currently being hyped as a new “superfood”: baobab powder. These are the dried and ground fruits of the baobab tree, which can be stirred into smoothies, for example. But what exactly is baobab tree and is it really that he althy?
Is the baobab fruit edible and nutritious?
The fruit of the baobab tree is edible and contains high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, iron, antioxidants and fiber. The sour fruit can be used in powder form, for example in smoothies, yoghurt or muesli.
What is the baobab tree and where does it grow?
The baobab tree gets its name because monkeys like to harvest and eat its fruits. The tree, also known as the “apothecary tree”, “tree of life” or “baobab”, grows in the savannahs of Africa and is a true survivor. The different species of the genus - there are different baobab trees - have succulent trunks and can grow extremely old. All parts of the tree are used by locals, and the fruits in particular are used in local African cuisine.
Can you eat the fruit of the baobab tree?
In fact, the up to 40 centimeter long and oval-shaped fruits of the baobab tree are edible. Under the hard shell there is a pulp that looks like dry bread and an extremely large number of seeds. The latter are so rich in fat that oil is pressed from them for use in food and cosmetics. The name “Baobab” refers to the seeds of the baobab fruit, as it comes from Arabic and means something like “fruit with many seeds”.
How to eat the fruits of the baobab tree?
In Africa the fruit is prepared in different ways. In our country, however, we usually only have dried fruit powder available, as only these are approved as safe foods. You can sometimes purchase whole fruits or dried pulp online.
You can stir the powder into drinks, smoothies or yoghurt, sprinkle over muesli etc.
What does the baobab fruit taste like?
The fruit of the baobab tree contains around 300 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams, significantly more vitamin C than, for example, an orange. The high content of ascorbic acid - as vitamin C is also called - ensures the sour taste, similar to a citrus fruit.
What nutrients does the fruit of the baobab contain?
In addition to lots of vitamin C, the fruit of the baobab tree also contains high levels of
- Calcium
- Iron
- Antioxidants
- Fiber
The latter are mainly in the form of pectins (which are also found in apples and carrots, for example). Pectins are water-soluble - which is why the powder can be easily mixed into liquids - and also ensures an even, low blood sugar level.
In view of these ingredients, however, one cannot necessarily speak of “superfood”, because the nutrients mentioned are also found in high levels in local fruits. However, these are nowhere near as expensive as the baobab powder.
Tip
Baobab tree as a houseplant
The baobab can even be cultivated as a houseplant or even as a bonsai, but in this case it is unlikely to bear fruit. The species is sometimes commercially available as a “bottle tree” or “money tree”, but these classifications are botanically incorrect - even though the different species are quite similar in their ability to store water in their trunks.
