Coming from trees that have been known to live beyond 2,500 years old, it’s no surprise that the fruit is something special. This unique superfood is enjoying a rapidly growing reputation, and is beginning to attract the attention of global food brands, being seen as an ethical, natural, and functional alternative to processed food ingredients. With strong environmental credentials, this superfood really is a versatile, guilt-free treat.
Incredibly, and contrary to what you might think of when reading the word ‘fruit’, this fruit occurs naturally as a dry powder. Given that the trees grow in blisteringly hot climes, the fruit undergoes a 6-month process of dehydration and hardening, creating one of the most nutrient-dense fruits on Earth. Interestingly, it is the only fruit in the world that dries naturally on the branch. In fact, the dried powder contains about 11% water, and 80% carbohydrates (of which about 50% is fibre), with low levels of protein and fats. It’s no wonder that this fruit has gained a reputation as a fat-buster, and bodybuilding aid.
How to consume it
Though capsules are available, the fruit is most commonly consumed in powdered form. With a lemon-sherbert-like flavour, the fruit can be stirred into porridge or added to hot drinks as a sweetener, added to shakes, or even used as a base for delicious, gelato-like ice cream. If you prefer your savoury foods, you can add powdered baobab to baked goods, yoghurts, or curries.
The Facts:
Full of antioxidants, and with a long history of traditional use, powdered baobab fruit is known to contain; antioxidants, vitamin c (up to 10 times more than an orange), calcium (up to twice as much as cow’s milk), iron, magnesium (up to 5 times more than avocados), potassium (up to 6 times more than bananas), and prebiotic dietary fibre (up to 30 times more than lettuce).
Need cleaner skin? Want to slow down the ageing process? Trying to recover from a fever? Struggling with digestion issues? The baobab has you covered!
With more antioxidants than blueberries, goji berries, and pomegranate (I could list more), the fruit is popular with those seeking clearer, less irritated skin.
The fruit can be used as an immune system boost because of the high concentration of vitamin c, with the added benefit of increasing iron absorption. With such high fiber content, it also aids the digestive system - worryingly, as many as 97% of Americans are known to lack the recommended minimum fibre intake. The fruit has also been shown to reduce inflammation, aiding those with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The baobab fruit really does put the ‘super’ into superfoods!