Baobab’s Reproductive Biology

Mostly bats (Ephormorphus wahlbergii and Rousettus aegyptiacus) pollinate the flowers. The flowers emit what some describe as a strong carrion smell, which is presumably attractive to the bats; it is also known to attract the bluebottle fly (Chrysomyia marginalis) and at least 3 nocturnal moths: American bollworm (Heliothis armigera), red bollworm (Diparopsis castanea) and spring bollworm (Earias biplaga).

Vitamin C Rich Exotic Fruit Will Soon Dock in England

An exotic African fruit will soon be available in England. The Baobab fruit, claimed to have six times the vitamin C of an orange, will soon be hitting UK markets under an EU ruling.

Resembling a coconut, the Baobab fruit contains twice as much calcium as milk and also has a very high in anti-oxidants, iron and potassium.

However, the fruit will not be sold as a whole fruit owing to its hard shell, but it will hit the shelves in the form of cereal
bars and smoothies.

Till date, the fruit was barred from UK markets as legislation does not allow the import of food which has not been commonly consumed in the EU before 1997 and all new foods have to be formally approved before they can go on sale.

However, the baobab fruit got this approval after heavy lobbying from PhytoTrade Africa, an organization that promotes fair trade.

"The EU decision is a crucial step to developing the global market which could be worth up to £500 million a year," The Telegraph quoted Gus Le Breton, chief executive of PhytoTrade Africa, as saying.

He added: "Baobab is an ideal ingredient for smoothies and cereal bars, and its well documented nutritional benefits provide manufacturers with a new opportunity to target the booming market in healthy foods.

"Dozens of companies have shown interest in baobab since we submitted the application and many have already conducted initial research. Now that approval has been given, they can progress to full-scale product development."

Since generations, this white powdery pulp has provided health benefits in its native Africa.

Source-ANI

Baobab to hit the big time next year, predicts Mintel

The main nutrients include vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, pectin and citric, malic and succinic acids, while the oil also contains the vitamins A, D and E.

Since the fruit gained novel foods status this year, it can now be used in a range of food products, including cereal bars and smoothies – and the indications are that food makers are very interested.

“Each year, there’s one hot new superfruit and this year, exotic baobab seems to be the one,” said Mintel.

Its confidence is shared by Afriplex, the South African supplier that petitioned for the approval, together with trade association Phytotrade Africa.

In a recent interview with FoodNavigator.com William Smith, marketing manager of Afriplex said: “The response from major food companies has been absolutely phenomenal”.

In additional to the novelty factor, Smith drew attention to the sustainable and fair trade aspects. Boabab is wild harvested, and the benefits of the commerce are channeled to the communities that need it.

Afriplex is also pursuing GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status in the US.

The spotlight is expected to be particularly intense on foods and flavours of Africa in the run up to the 2010 football (soccer) world cup, to be hosted by South Africa.