Move over goji and acai, the fruit of the African baobab (or monkey bread) tree is the latest superfruit star. If you are looking to keep your weight in check and have radiant skin, this could be the one for you.
Richer in antioxidants than both acai and goji berries, it is said to contain six times more vitamin C than oranges, twice as much calcium as milk, is richer in potassium than bananas and contains more magnesium than spinach. Baobab fruit is also rich in B vitamins and iron, and provides a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre.
For thousands of years, people in Africa have used the versatile baobab tree for food, medicine, water and shelter. The fruit is sweet, tangy and has a pear-like flavour that's enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient, the leaves are eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground to make an edible oil and thickener for soups and stews.
Now, it is becoming a popular ingredient in smoothies and cereal bars, and is also available in powdered and capsule form.
According to a 2008 report by the US National Research Council, the fruit of the baobab tree contains a sticky pulp that can be dried into a nutritious powder high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The powder is stirred into warm water or milk to create a healthy drink, and also beaten and dried into thin pancakes for use months or even years later, aiding food security.
Baobabs have become known outside of Africa in recent years. In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of baobab in foods and drinks, and the dried fruit powder was assigned "generally regarded as safe" status.