BAOBAB FRUIT

Baobab, Adansonia digitata, is a tree that grows in Africa, Australia, and the Middle East. Baobab fruit is edible. It is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus. It has a citrus flavor.

Fruits are collected from the baobab tree. The fruit is found inside hard pods that hang upside down from the tree. Mature trees (over 60 years old) produce between 160 and 250 fruits. Baobab is "wild-harvested." It is taken from its natural environment and dried naturally. The seeds are removed and ground into a powder that can be added to food products.

Unlike coffee or cocoa found in abundance in Africa, baobab is not a plantation crop. It takes so long to mature that farmers rely largely on existing trees to harvest. Baobabs can grow as old as 1,000 years.

Baobab fruits can be processed into varieties like fruit powder or seed oil. As a fruit, baobab is unique in that it dries naturally on the branch before it is harvested, the seeds are removed and then sieved into a powder.

Baobab powder is mainly used in food supplements and to fortify foods, while baobab seeds yield an oil which is used in cosmetics.

Baobab Market
Baobab powder has the potential to spawn a billion-dollar industry, with health-conscious consumers showing increasing interest in exotic flavours and products that offer extra benefits.

The benefits of baobab have long been known in Africa and the product is gaining global recognition and consumption, thereby stimulating demand across the globe.

Now sales have gone mainstream throughout the European market. The demand is such that UK producers are likely to be looking for new suppliers in the future.

Baobab is mostly sold as a fruit powder on the European market.

Export Requirements
Proper drying, grinding and storing ensure a consistent quality (in terms of colour and mesh size). Also, your baobab needs to be carefully sourced. You need to make sure that you can ensure a stable supply of baobab to your buyers, in terms of both quality and quantity.

As an exporter of the product, you must have a good food safety management system in place to become successful in the business. Importers demand proof of your product’s safety and proof that your product meets their quality requirements before they will buy from you.

Product must also be properly packaged and adequately labelled to be accepted in the European market.

Some Health Benefits of Baobab

- It is rich in vitamins C

Baobab’s vitamin C content is up to three times that of an orange. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It has been linked to lowering blood pressure, bolstering immunity, and less incidence of cataracts and coronary disease.

- It is Anti-viral
Baobab leaves, fruit pulp and seeds have been shown to act against deadly viruses.

- Cures diarrhoea
Baobab Fruit Pulp in traditional African medicine is to treat diarrhoea. The fruit pulp contains about 50% fiber.

- Skin Care
It promotes smooth skin. Baobab Seed Oil contains antioxidant Vitamins A, D & E as well as Omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids and is a soothing, rejuvenating skin care serum.

- For Treating Fever
Baobab Fruit Pulp, seeds and bark are used for people with malaria to help reduce fever. It is used as a substitute for quinine as a prophylactic and to reduce malaria-related fever in parts of Africa.