THE BIG AND BOLD BAOBAB

Scientific Name: Adansonia digitata

Common name: Baobab

One of the biggest trees in Namibia is the baobab. It stores water in its giant trunk as an adaptation to our arid climate. A particularly huge baobab in Outapi, known as the Ombalantu Baobab Tree, has a spacious cavity in its trunk which is said to be able to accommodate about 35 people. It was used as a hideout during the pre-independence war and it has also served as a chapel. This baobab’s unique history and features have made it a popular tourist attraction.

Baobab trees are found in the northern parts of Namibia, from the western and central north to the Kavango and Zambezi regions in the east. The tree has soft wood and regenerates easily when it is cut. It flowers from October to March. The large flowers resemble those of hibiscus plants, but baobab petals are always pure white with an extended stamen and strongly scented.

The flowers grow at the tip of long hanging stalks. They contain sweet nectar. I remember that the elders used to stop us children from plucking the flowers to suck this sweet nectar. We did not know then that nature’s plan is for the flowers to develop into fruits. The leaves have 5-7 leaflets. The fibrous wood of the trunk was among the survival supplements that farmers fed to their livestock during the 2019 drought. In fact it is an ancient survival strategy practiced during droughts. The fibre is also used to thicken goat milk: small pieces cut from the stem are peeled and added into the milk while the wood is still moist. Dried pieces can also be used but the moist fibre is preferred.

Traditionally, women used fibres from within the bark to form one strong strand onto which they put beads, meant to be worn around as a necklace or belt. The fruits develop from April to August. Once they are completely dry they are ready to be eaten. Some fruits may fall off when they are dry but usually the children “harvest” them by throwing stones. The tree sheds its leaves as the fruits dry and stands with bare branches and the fruits.

Baobab fruits are generally oval, though some are more oblong. The size varies. On average it is that of a mediumsized pineapple. Baobab fruits have a hard brownish outer shell which is about 0.5 cm thick and covered with tiny hairs which cause itching on the skin. The fruit can only be cracked open with the help of a hard object such as a stone. It is filled with pieces of solid white pulp and usually contains seeds. A piece that you suck on will melt in the mouth. The dry pulp is often pounded to use as a powder. The kidney-shaped seeds are brown and hard. They contain essential nutrients, including a healthy fat which can be extracted by cold pressing for cosmetic uses. Baobab oil is said to have antiaging properties.

Because of its nutrients and fibre the baobab fruit is seen as a superfood. The powder of the pulp can be used to make juice, ice lollies and soft porridge. Solid pulp is often soaked in water, after which the fibres and seeds are removed. The remaining pulp is then suitable to make whatever is desired. Add sugar, milk or other ingredients according to your liking. Several locally crafted baobab products are available. I had a taste of baobab juice blended with ginger. And packaged baobab powder is so convenient to make my own juice and ice. Familiar as I am with the taste, it is always an appetising experience.

Because of its nutrients and fibre the baobab fruit is seen as a superfood. The powder of the pulp can be used to make juice, ice lollies and soft porridge.

It is a privilege to be a member of the African Baobab Alliance (ABA) – an alliance that brings together institutions, organisations, researchers and even individuals in the baobab chain from tree to value addition as well as research. Some of the current research work examines the effects of baobab fruit powder on gut health. It aims to perform a randomised double blind placebo controlled trial to study the effects on obesity. Another aim is to assess the effects of baobab fruit powder on cardio metabolic health parameters. The hypothesis is that baobab fruit powder will improve gut function, bacteria and reduce metabolic disease risk. This sparked so much enthusiasm in me and inspired me to add baobab juice or packaged powder for our shelves.

The African Baobab Alliance hosted the 3rd Global Baobab Congress in London, UK, on 16 April. The congress facilitated networking of stakeholders in the baobab industry during the baobab harvesting season. Have I tried planting a baobab tree? Yes! Easy: just a seed to nourish with sufficient water and allow sunlight to do its part. Sprouts of the mopane tree and baobab are quite similar. However, I observed that the baobab seedling is able to go without water for months. In the village experience, the seeds germinate very well after a good amount of rainfall. They are the seeds which we throw onto our crop fields when we snack on this superfruit.

Agnes Shekupe Shivute