The Baobab tree grows extensively in semi-arid Africa. Throughout Africa, various parts of the Baobab are used for therapeutic and nutritional purposes, and numerous Baobab remedies are quoted in the traditional African pharmacopoeia.

From Senegal to South Africa, people use it in many different ways, many of them making a refreshing drink from the fruit powder mixed with water and sugar. Baobab is not only delicious, but traditionally popular as a boost to health, especially among pregnant women, children and the elderly; it is also said to fight fevers and settle the stomach.

The baobab fruit is particularly nourishing and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It contains over six times more Vitamin C than oranges and twice as much calcium as milk. It is also high in anti-oxidants, iron and potassium and was traditionally used by sailors to stave off scurvy.

Baobab fruits are ovoid in shape and are formed from elaborate white flowers which are pollinated by bats. The fruit has a hard, woody shell with a velvety yellow-green coating. Inside the shell are the large oil-rich seeds, the fruit powder and fibres. Baobab fruit is harvested in Southern Africa between February and May.

Now, the benefits of the Baobab are to be experienced by millions of overseas consumers, with the announcement (September 2009) that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the importation of baobab powder, made from the pulp of the fruit, into the US.

This is significant for the hundreds of African farmers who derive a living from the massive trees. Harare-based PhytoTrade Africa is the driving force behind the application for export. The announcement follows PhytoTrade's successful application to the European Commission, which gave its approval for export to Europe the previous year.

PhytoTrade, a trade association, helps rural farmers in Southern Africa get their natural products to market. It represents thousands of producers across eight nations in the region and states its purpose as poverty alleviation and the protection of biodiversity by promoting sustainable, ethical and economically viable enterprises.

Baobab fruit powder will be imported into the United States as a highly nutritious ingredient for food and drink products. The healthy drinks and snacks market, including smoothies and cereal bars is a key target.

PhytoTrade Africa says that with innovative formulations, Baobab fruit could enable food and beverage formulators to develop products naturally high in fibre and vitamin C. The levels of key vitamins and minerals in Baobab, such as vitamin C and calcium, are significantly superior to those found in well-known superfruits such as blueberry, cranberry and pomegranate.

Not only could baobab be good for you, it is good for African people and the environment too.

Source
Media Club South Africa
PhytoTrade