Everyone knows that vitamin C is not only beneficial for your immune system, but also beneficial for weight loss. Now the UK is getting a new fruit that promises 6 times the vitamin C and twice as much calcium as milk!
This imported fruit comes from Africa. The outer shell of the fruit has a smooth silkey appearance. Incased in the shell are small tart seeds. These seeds are considered the fruit.
The pulp, which is white, powdery and has a cheese-like texture, is extremely nutritious and high in anti-oxidants, iron and potassium.
The baobab (or upside-down tree, as it is also known) is cherished by locals who believe that its spirit protects villages. Only specially trained climbers are allowed to scale the branches to retrieve the fruit. Once the hard outer shell has been broken the flesh can be eaten straight away, although it has a slightly sour flavour.
In some parts of East Africa the fruit is covered in a red, sugary coating and sold as sweets.
Because the shell is so hard to crack, it will not be available to buy as a whole fruit in Britain.
Instead, it will provide ingredients for smoothies and cereal bars.
The fruit was finally allowed to be imported into the UK following extensive lobbying by Phytotrade
Under current legislation, foods which have not been commonly consumed in the EU before 1997 have to be formally approved before they can go on sale or used in European food and drink products. The organisation submitted an application for the fruit to be imported in 2006 and the EU yesterday announced its approval.
It is hoped that the demand will enable millions of poor families in Africa to earn a living growing and harvesting the fruit.
The Baobab Tree
(source)
Adria Ali
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