#Baobab: the superfruit at the Eden Project

I was offered some baobab fruit powder to try.  It’s the ‘new superfruit’  that promises to boost energy levels and improve skin health. I could not say no to that offer. As you have heard me say time and again, “I’m tired and sleep deprived” added to that I’ll be 40 this week! If ever there was a candidate to trial this product it’s ME! I have to say I was skeptical about giving it to my kids, additionally, I’m  still breastfeeding Valentina. However, it seems to be safe for kids to eat. I would suggest if you've never used baobab before and you are breastfeeding, or if your child has food allergies, for your own peace mind check with your GP before using. As for me, I was aware of the fruit before being told about the powder, as I’m currently using natural afro hair products that contain the fruit, with good results.  I've been using Eden Project’s baobab powder intermittently for three weeks; while I don’t feel like Wonder Woman yet my dishes have been enhanced by its flavour.

'Gram for gram, baobab fruit has six times more vitamin C than an orange and more calcium than a glass of milk. Baobab also benefits from having three times more iron than red meat, six times as much potassium than in bananas and more than three times as much antioxidants than blueberries. Baobab products can be purchased online from the Eden Project Shop. Baobab is also available from Holland & Barrett, Planet Organic and all good health food shops. Priced from £14.99 for a 250g tub of superfruit powder.  £19.99 for 90 1000mg tablets. Or order online from www.minvita.co.uk.

Project Baobab: the Eden Project is championing the growth of the super fruit in the UK market by undertaking a project to raise awareness of baobab and baobab products. Working with Phytotrade Africa ‘Project Baobab’ also aims to educate people on the importance of sustainably harvesting the fruit to ensure there’s a positive impact on poor families in Africa. Click HERE  for more on the fruit at Eden Project.

Recipe/serving suggestions: Baobab fruit powder has a tangy flavour suited to both savoury and sweet dishes. It also contains pectin which acts as a natural thickener when added to liquid. Some serving ideas include:

• Stir a teaspoon into a smoothie or fruit juice and taste the difference
• Zap up your breakfast cereal or oats porridge by adding a prickle
• Blend into your low fat yoghurt to add an exotic twist. Serve with chopped fruit
• Like homemade bread or jam? Mix some baobab powder in and boost the nutritional value of every slice of toast
• Create healthy treats by adding it into your pancakes or homemade breakfast bars

I used my baobab power in a few Trini dishes, along with some seasonal ones. I even included it the every popular West Indian Guinness Punch (drink). Here are the images of the dishes I made:

Pumpkin pancakes & fruity pancakes

Salt fish cakes & pumpkin soup

This is my recipe for the salt fish (Accra) cakes:

Makes 9 – 18 (serves 4 to 9)

Ingredients

1 small onion, finely chopped

I pack boneless saltfish

1 cup water

1 tsp pepper sauce

1¼ plain cup flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 springs of fine thyme (leaves only)

1 spring finely chopped spring onions
2 tsps baobab powder

Salt to taste

2 springs flat leaf parsley

3 cups oil (for frying preferable an oil that does not have strong flavour to over-power the Accra’s taste)

Method

1. Soak saltfish in hot water for 30 mins to 1 hour, change the water twice
2. After soaking time has passed, shred saltfish in cool water and drain
3. Mix in a bowl all the green seasoning (herbs), saltfish, along with flour and baking powder
4. Combine mixture into paste the consistency of wallpaper paste, add salt to taste (You can begin to fry or leave mixture to stand for 15 -20 mins)
5. Heat the vegetable oil on a medium/high heat and start adding heaping teaspoon full amounts into the pan (I was pressed for time with Angelo clinging to my ankles, so, I used a tablespoon, hence the size).
6. Leave some space between the Accras in the frying pan, in order that they don’t stick together
7. Fry until golden brown
8. When each Accra has been fried leave to drain on paper towel

We usually have ours with home-made bread. You can enjoy it as snack, breakfast, or dinner. However, for festive occasions serve with a sweet chilli sauce; tamarind sauce or whatever you and your guests fancy.

And here is my Guinness Punch!

Guinness Punch

I found that the fruits natural tangy flavour enhanced the savoury dishes. Although, I must admit I could not detect its taste in the sweet one, but I felt better for knowing there was added 'goodness' in each dish.

Have ever heard about baobab? Have you tried it yet, if so what do you think? If not and you are curious, do visit the Eden Project website for more information on their crop.