The Baobab tree is a pre-historic tree that is native to Africa, and are iconic in the African Savannah. With heights of up to 30 metres and trunk circumference of up to 43 metres, the Baobab tree is large, imposing and can live for up to 2000 years. For the best part of the year, the tree is leafless, and looks very much like it has its roots sticking up in the air, which is the reason some refer to the Baobab as "The Upside-Down Tree".
The Baobab is called "The Tree of Life" because of its usefulness and versatility; Its' bark is fire resistant and is used in making cloth and rope; Its' leaves contain useful anti-oxidants and are used as medicines, while its fruit, also known as "Monkey Bread" is rich in Vitamin C and consumed as food. The ancient Egyptians used Baobab for treating fevers, and dysentery and bloody wounds, while in The Gambia, pregnant women consume Baobab as a calcium supplement. The nomadic Fulani tribesmen of Northern Nigeria, Mali and Sudan use the citric and tartaric acids of the pulp as milk curdling agents.
The Baobab tree flowers during the dry season, and these flowers grow into the Baobab fruit, which mature and dry out on the tree before falling off when ready to harvest. This minimal handling and processing means that the Baobab fruitpowder retains all its nutritional qualities.
Baobab fruit powder contains high levels of Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibres, and is considered a true super-fruit. The Baobab fruit has a mild tangy and citrusy flavour, making it the perfect base for refreshing drinks or smoothies.
