How to Use Baobab Fruit

The baobab fruit chunks have a sherbet-like, zingy flavour and are versatile to use. They can be enjoyed the way they are as a healthy snack or pounded into powder – a process during which the hard seeds are removed. You can stir a few spoons of the baobab fruit powder into water, juice or milk to create a healthy, refreshing drink. Also, add it to smoothies, cereal, or freeze the baobab juice to make popsicles. A drink you will often see offered in The Gambia is wonjo-baobab, whereby the thick baobab juice is layered beneath the fruity red hibiscus infusion called wonjo.

Health Benefits of the Baobab Fruit

It is not without reason that baobab fruit powder is increasingly becoming known as a "superfood" in the Western world. Packed with nutrients, the baobab fruit has one of the highest antioxidant profiles of any fruit on the planet. As well as being a rich source of Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Potassium, it also contains 50% dietary fibre, which research has shown to have a prebiotic effect. Regularly consuming baobab fruit may aid weight loss, help balance blood sugar levels, prevent early ageing, reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.

Benefits to the Community and Environment

Baobab fruit grows on mature trees with high longevity, which does not require watering, pesticides or fertiliser. This makes it a very sustainable food source and a valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife. There is also no such thing as a baobab plantation; every tree is community or family-owned and wild-harvested. After drying naturally on the trees, the fruit is sold by the women at local markets, generating extra income for the communities.

Where to Buy Baobab Fruit or powder

Big rice bags packed with baobab fruit chunks are a common sight at most local food markets. You can find smaller packing in several shops, such as Top-Shop at Senegambia Beach Hotel, Farm Fresh, Taste Of Nature, Yusupha’s Natural Products, MyFarm, and many more.