Baobab powder is my current crush! This slightly earthy, citrusy powder is delicious (amazing for something so healthy, I know!!) and I’ve been enjoying it as a regular addition to my water bottle for a couple of weeks now. YES, just in water!!!

So what is Baobab??

Baobab is the common name for each of the nine species of tree in the genus Adansonia. Of these nine species six are native to Madagascar, two are native to Africa (mainland and Arab peninsular) and one is native to Australia. (The Australian tree is commonly referred to as ‘boab’).
The Baobab tree thrives in hot, dry, low-lying areas; occuring in seasonally arid areas, they are able to store up to 100,000L of water in their trunks to ensure survival during harsh drought conditions.
The fruit has a hard, woody shell with a velvety yellow-green coating, it is about the size of a coconut, weighs about 1.5kg, and the fruit is described as having a tart, slightly acidic flavour, “somewhere between a grapefruit, pear and vanilla”. Inside the shell are the large oil-rich seeds, the fruit powder and fibres. The baobab fruit dries naturally on the tree and the pulp is simply crushed and sieved to produce baobab powder, maintaining all of its natural raw flavour and goodness.

By Ton Rulkens from Mozambique via Wikimedia Commons

Organic Baobab powder is a versatile, nutrient dense, raw wholefood, that contains about 12% water and a fantastic array of nutrients. It is bursting with antioxidants, is super high in fibre (about 50% by weight) contains carbohydrates, riboflavin (B2), calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phytosterols, and particularly high levels of vitamin C and thiamine (B1). Best of all, it tastes great. Adding it to my water gives it a nice citrusy kick without being too strong or overpowering. A super food that tastes super…. who knew there was such a thing!?!
It is a nutritious and delicious addition to smoothies, juices, water, coconut water, sprinkled over muesli or porridge or blended with yoghurt, it can also be added to baking to increase nutritional value.

NUTRIENTS: Vitamin C, B1, B2, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, fibre, potassium, phosphorus, zinc

VITAMIN C: Incredibly high in vitamin C, baobab is considered one of the worlds best sources (behind only kakadu plum, camu camu, acerola and rosehips) containing up to 10 times the vitamin C of an equivalent serving of oranges!

FIBRE: Contains more soluble fibre than psyllium

CALCIUM: Twice the calcium of milk

BENEFITS: Incresed alertness and energy, supports the immune system, healthy nervous system, boosts iron.

Baobab is becoming more widely available from health food stores and suppliers online. As with any purchase please check to ensure that the brand you are supporting is also working to support the livelihood of the communities who are harvesting, supplying and processing these magical fruit products.

Enjoy. N x

By Paolo Crosetto from Roma – Torino, Italia via Wikimedia Commons