Baobab Leaves

Adansonia digitata (leaves) — Malvaceae

Italiano: Foglie di baobab

Description

Baobab Leaves (Adansonia digitata (leaves)) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Savanna, dry woodland environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Baobab Leaves is fresh young leaves of the baobab tree, a major leafy vegetable across the Sahel. Dried leaves are 'lalo'.. The edible parts include Young leaves. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, Baobab Leaves stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Iron (2.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 4.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Baobab Leaves offers a Mild, spinach-like, slightly sour flavor profile. Pluck young tender leaves; steam; pound or chop. Common culinary applications include Cooked greens, Dried leaf powder (lalo), Sauces. Popular preparations include Steam and mash with onion and groundnut. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None; widely consumed. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Savanna, dry woodland across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Steam and mash with onion and groundnut

Preparation method: Pluck young tender leaves; steam; pound or chop
Flavor profile: Mild, spinach-like, slightly sour
Edible parts: Young leaves

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: None; widely consumed
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Giovani foglie
Preparation: Pluck young tender leaves; steam; pound or chop
Flavor: Mild, spinach-like, slightly sour

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 4.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 60.0mg (4%DV)
Iron: 2.0mg (11%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Cooked greens, Dried leaf powder (lalo), Sauces Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Steam and mash with onion and groundnut

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Savanna, dry woodland
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References