Baobab Yogurt: A Taste of Africa (The Baobab Tree: An African Giant)

The baobab tree, a towering and ancient presence in the African landscape, is as remarkable as the yogurt it produces.

These trees are living legends, with lifespans exceeding four millennia. Their distinctive, upside-down appearance, caused by shedding leaves during the winter, has captivated imaginations worldwide.

While baobabs begin bearing fruit around the age of 200, the wait is worthwhile. Each tree can produce hundreds of the large, hard-shelled fruits. Recognizing the value and longevity of these trees, Botswana has enacted strict laws protecting them from felling.

Harvesting the Baobab Fruit

Ripe baobab fruits are easily identifiable when found on the ground. Their dry, chalky interior, while perhaps unappetizing at first glance, is the key ingredient for our yogurt.

Baobab Yogurt: A Taste of Africa (The Baobab Tree: An African Giant)

Extracting the pulp from the fruit can be a messy but enjoyable task, especially for children. The hard shell requires a bit of force to crack, and the pulp itself contains large, black seeds. Careful extraction is key to preserving both the pulp and your teeth!

Making Baobab Yogurt: A Simple Recipe

Ingredients:

Ripe baobab fruit
Milk
Honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pulp: Scoop out the dry, powdery pulp from the cracked baobab fruit.
Combine with Milk: Place the pulp in a bowl and add enough milk to cover it generously. Milk imparts a creamier texture, but water can also be used.
Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for an hour or two, adding more milk if it becomes too thick.
Sweeten (Optional): For those with a sweet tooth, honey or sugar can be added to taste.
Enjoy: Once the white baobab powder is hydrated, the yogurt is ready to eat. Remember to spit out the seeds!

A Taste of the Extraordinary

Baobab yogurt offers a unique and flavorful experience. While the yogurt itself is tangy and smooth, the dry baobab pulp can also be enjoyed on its own. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, baobab is often hailed as a "superfruit."

Beyond its culinary uses, baobab pulp can also act as a natural thickener, similar to cream of tartar.

So, the next time you find yourself in the African bush, or simply craving a taste of adventure, consider making your own baobab yogurt. It's a delicious and rewarding way to connect with this ancient tree and its extraordinary fruit.

African Baobab Alliance:

The Baobab industry is one of Africa’s fastest-growing natural ingredients sectors. Baobab fruit are harvested in the wild by rural communities, contributing to rural economic empowerment and improved management of plant biodiversity in Africa.

WhatsApp: +263 7 7226 9834
Email: info@africanbaobaballiance.org

Website: www.africanbaobaballiance.org