When you hear the name baobab, you can probably think of some associations. It is a tree whose fruit is considered a real superfood.
The Africans have been using almost all components of the baobab tree, the so-called boabab, for several centuries. It is considered a guarantee for well-being and health. In the meantime, the almost sacred tree of life, as it is also called, has finally found its way into our kitchens.
why “wondertree”?
The name of the baobab, which is native to Africa, is derived from the Arabic term „bu hibab“ ab, which means “fruit with many seeds”. The trees can be up to 25 meters high and thousands of years old. Only after 20 years does the tree bloom for the first time. They shape the image of the African savannah symbolically and impressively. Almost every part of the baobab tree is used in traditional African medicine. The leaves are mainly used for gastrointestinal diseases and the seeds are used for toothache, liver infections or malaria diseases, for example. Even if the local people use all of the ingredients, it is above all the fruit that declares the baobab to be a miracle tree. The round to oval fruits contain a very nutritious pulp and many nutritious seeds. These are considered to be particularly rich in anti-inflammatory and disease-preventive plant substances. They're also high in fiber, potassium, and lots of vitamin C. The antioxidant content of the baobab fruit should be higher than that of, for example, acai or goji berries. The still largely unknown food is therefore often classified in the category of “superfoods” and praised for its healthy effects.
Baobab powder
If anything, we know baobab mostly in powder form. After ripening, the baobab tree naturally dries out the fruit to retain water. The dried pulp is separated from seeds and fibers and sieved. The almost white powder obtained then tastes slightly sweet and is very suitable for mixing in, for example, yogurt, fruit juices, but also teas and, of course, muesli. In addition, the baobab powder can also be used as a binder. Smoothies also get a nice texture with the natural extract. It can mostly be found in health food stores. In the meantime, baobab can even be discovered as an ingredient in lemonades or even bread spreads.
Baobab: More than just a healthy food
The baobab tree symbolizes one thing above all: the connection between humans and untouched nature. A connection that often seems to have been lost with the industrial processing of food. Whole African villages move when a tree dies and go in search of a new one to live by. He's in the criticism in this country mainly because of his long way to us. For many, the ecological footprint is an important issue. Of course, regional foods are the more conscious choice for us. But even if the good is often so close, it is still a pleasure to look into the distance to discover new things.
Did you know that you can also plant the baobab tree as a houseplant in a pot? Further exotic houseplants see this article.