What the heck is Baobab?

Posted in Blog on 08.01.2018

What the heck is Baobab?

So .. what is Baobab?

What the heck is Baobab?

Baobab is the common name for each of the nine species of tree in the genus Adansonia.  The fruit has a velvety shell and is about the size of a coconut.  As the fruit naturally dries, the mature pods are harvested, cracked open and the pulp separated from the seeds and shell.  This pulp is then milled to produce a fine powder and it’s the lack of moisture that is key to the minimal production process – drying with high temperatures is not required, making the baobab powder a raw product.  The seeds can then be pressed into oil.

It has a tart, acidic flavour described as somewhere between grapefruit, pear and vanilla.  We think it tastes like THE most delicious sherbet!

What the heck is Baobab?

Whilst the baobab tree has been introduced to such regions as Madagascar and India, most baobab comes from its primarily native Southern Africa.  Here the communities are often very rural and very poor.  By harvesting the abundant baobab trees these communities can become more self-sufficient, giving them a sustainable income for their households, with an incentive to protect the trees for future generations.  By buying these products you are indirectly trading with these communities.

What baobab can do for you

  • The soluble fibres have been found to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut
  • It’s a great source of vitamin C – an essential nutrient and antioxidant – giving your immune system a boost
  • The vitamin C content in baobab also helps your body form collagen and elastin that give your skin support and elasticity
  • It’s one of the richest plant based sources of calcium known, supporting bone and dental health as well as muscle formation
  • With up to 6 x as much potassium as bananas, the electrolyte rich baobab helps maintain healthy muscle function as well as regulating the body’s hydration
  • It may also help with weight loss as it contains carnitine, a compound that helps metabolise fat into fuel instead of storing it

10 Fabulous ways to get the most out of your baobab powder

1. Teacakes

Sticky, naturally sweet but refined sugar and dairy free, made with wholemeal flour and an extra fruity boost from the baobab powder

What the heck is Baobab?

2. Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

These are also just as good nekkid as when they’re covered in crunchy nuts or fruity sherbet-y baobab powder!

What the heck is Baobab?

3. Vanilla and Baobab Protein Pancakes – From Healthy Jon

Don’t these just like you could get your fork and dig in?!  Gorgeous spices and just a few store cupboard ingredients and you could be enjoying these amazing looking pancakes!

What the heck is Baobab?

4. Baobab Juice – From Pandavita

Just 4 ingredients needed to make this deliciously refreshing looking juice!

What the heck is Baobab?

5. Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Buns

A healthier vegan version of a breakfast favourite – sticky and naturally sweet from the date filling!

What the heck is Baobab?

6.  Raspberry Power Smoothie

Our delicious and hearty Raspberry Power Smoothie which you can find in our free E-book!  It has a shot of fruity, sherbety baobab powder – a vitamin C rich fruit for some extra energy.

What the heck is Baobab?

7.  Orange and Baobab Polenta Cake – From Deliciously Ella

A dairy-free citrus cake that looks not only light but also delicious!

What the heck is Baobab?

8. Chia Seed and Berry Jam

No need be daunted by making your own jam!  This super simple recipe gives perfect jam every single time!

What the heck is Baobab?

9. Raw Fig and Baobab Bars – From Aduna

There’s nothing quite like a home-made version of a ‘healthy’ cereal bar – and just 6 ingredients!

What the heck is Baobab?

10. Raspberry and Baobab Overnight Oats

Creamy oats and fat little chia seeds combined with sharp, sherbet-y raspberries gently slaps your face awake in this perfectly easy make ahead breakfast!

What the heck is Baobab?

We love using it, and if you do too, sign up for our newsletter and get our free e-book for more great tasting and healthy recipes!

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Hello there!  I’m Sam, former Michelin star pastry chef and now your go-to vegan foodie on a mission to make plant-based eating a deliciously easy adventure!  From cozy comfort foods to vibrant salads and decadent desserts, there’s something for everyone in my kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for one or for a houseful I believe food doesn’t have to be complicated to be full of FLAVOUR and I want to show you how.  I’ve been a rigorous meal planner for over a decade whilst embracing seasonal ingredients (because that’s where the real flavour is!)

I’m also a dedicated dog mum to Nooch and Baxter and enjoy cooking them homemade treats (many of which are posted here) when I’m not screaming at the tennis or devouring fantasy fiction.

All things autumn - warming soups, savoury bakes and delicious sweet treats!

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