Benefits of Baobab: Pulp Composition and Culinary Uses

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is an iconic tree of the African savannas, whose fruit, the monkey bread, contains a white and tangy pulp. Dried and then ground into powder, this pulp is mixed with water to prepare bouye juice, a traditional Senegalese drink.

What is baobab?

The African baobab grows from the Sahel to southern Africa, in dry savannas. Its fruit, a large velvety shell, contains seeds surrounded by a dry, floury pulp. In French, it is called pain de singe (monkey bread); in Wolof, the fruit is called bouye and the tree gouye. These are extremely long-lived trees: some specimens are thought to exceed two thousand years, although their exact age remains difficult to establish.

Status of baobab pulp in the European Union

Dried baobab fruit pulp has been authorised for sale in the European Union since the Commission Decision of 27 June 2008 (2008/575/EC), which designates it under the name “baobab fruit pulp”. This authorisation concerns the fruit pulp only: baobab leaves, sold under the name lalo to thicken certain dishes, are not covered by this same decision.

Composition of baobab pulp

According to a review of several studies published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, baobab pulp provides on average, per 100 grams of powder: approximately 305 kilocalories, 5.3 grams of protein, 13.7 grams of fibre, 302 milligrams of calcium, 1,794 milligrams of potassium and 290 milligrams of vitamin C. These values vary significantly depending on origin and drying method: vitamin C, for example, is measured between 209 and 360 milligrams per 100 grams depending on the sample.

How to use baobab powder

For bouye juice, use about 60 grams of powder and 50 grams of sugar per litre of water: mix well, then leave to rest for an hour in a cool place before serving very cold. The powder can also be added to yoghurt, a compote or pastry dough, at a rate of one to two tablespoons, for a tangy flavour.

Where to find baobab in France?

NKOSI sells baobab powder in several formats: TANTIE powder 200 g and organic RACINES powder 100 g, as well as TANTIE baobab pieces and organic RACINES crushed baobab. The full recipe is on the blog: baobab juice.