The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is a thick-trunked tree native to Africa and is typically found in dry, hot sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, as well as in arid areas in Australia. Its name ‘baobab’ is derived from Arabic and means “father of many seeds.” It is also known as monkey bread tree, cream of tartar tree and upside-down tree, due to it looking like an uprooted tree standing on its end. In South Africa, it is known as the Tree of Life because all parts of the tree are used for food, drink, and other necessary items. It’s thought the trees could live to be as old as 1,500 years. With its disproportionately thick trunk relative to its height and sparse branches, the tree produces heavy white flowers which are pollinated at night by fruit bats and become long green or brownish fruits that look like small gourds. The baobab fruit has a hard shell, kidney-shaped seeds, and soft, creamy white pulp that is slightly powdery and gritty. Baobab fruit pulp is tart and has a unique, pleasant fruity flavor.

Nutrient-dense baobab fruits are rich in prebiotic dietary fiber (including pectin), potassium and antioxidant phytonutrients (phenolics and bioflavonoids), high in vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, and contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. The bioflavonoids present in the fruits assist with the absorption of vitamin C in the body.*