Pronounced Bey-Oh-Bab, baobab is a superfood that has been slowly making its mark on the world in recent months.
Now that it's finally made its way into all manner of our favourite foods - and before you ask, yes, it's even found in some chocolate bars - we figured that it was time to educate you on the magnificent fruit.
Hailed for centuries as being a source of natural wellbeing which benefits skin, hair and general health - here's what you need to know about the humble baobab...
What Is It?
Despite the weird name, baobab is incredibly good for you and is an excellent source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, thiamin, fibre and vitamin B6.
"Baobab is a 100% natural, nutrient-dense, raw wholefood with a unique sherbet-like citrusy flavour," says Tipper Lewis, head herbalist at Neal's Yard Remedies.
It's a raw fruit from the baobab tree, which grows in Africa and some parts of Australia.
The fruit has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any in the world with more than double the antioxidants per gram of goji berries and more than blueberries and pomegranates combined.
"It's an excellent source of vitamin C which also helps protect cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the normal formation of collagen in skin," says Lewis. "Vitamin C also helps with the regeneration of vitamin E which protects and repairs your skin."
SEE ALSO:
What Are Goji Berries?: Health Benefits, Tips And Recipes
Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds: Seven Reasons To Eat The Fashionable Superfood
Health Benefits
Katya Igumentseva, founder of Organic Burst says that, for her, the main benefit of baobab is post-workout: "It's perfect when you’re wilting after a hot and sweaty workout.
"I take two teaspoons of Organic Burst Baobab in a bottle of water to replenish my body’s electrolytes, because it contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt and you have yourself a really natural, sugar-free sports drink."
Baobab is also excellent at improving alertness and energy levels, supporting the immune system, maintaining a healthy nervous system and boosting your iron levels.
How To Eat (Or Drink) It
Super-foodies in the UK opt to consume baobab in a powder, which can be sprinkled on porridges, yoghurt and all manner of tasty treats, including:
Drink - Create a Baobab Fizz by mixing 1tsp of baobab powder in a glass of sparkling water. It acts as a great replacement for sugary soft drinks and is far healthier.
Sauces - It's a great addition to any citrusy sauces and dishes due to its tangy taste.
Smoothies - For a quick, fruit fix mix 1-2 tsp baobab with two or three glasses of coconut/almond milk. Add some frozen mango pieces and banana, and then blend!
Cocktails - Mix some vodka with 1 tsp baobab, some rice syrup and fizzy water.
You can also add it to homemade bread, Chia puddings (like this one) and tea!
