Baobab

Adansonia digitata — Malvaceae

Italiano: Baobab africano

Description

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Savanna, dry woodland environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Baobab is iconic African tree with massive trunk and edible leaves, seeds, and fruit pulp. The pulp has a tangy citrus flavor.. The edible parts include Fruit pulp, Leaves, Seeds. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, Baobab stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Baobab offers a Tangy, citrusy, sherbet-like flavor profile. Pulp is dried and powdered; seeds roasted; leaves cooked as spinach. Common culinary applications include Drinks, Powders, Sauces, Soups. Popular preparations include Mix baobab powder with water and sugar for a refreshing drink. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None. 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: Mix baobab powder with water and sugar for a refreshing drink

Preparation method: Pulp is dried and powdered; seeds roasted; leaves cooked as spinach
Flavor profile: Tangy, citrusy, sherbet-like
Edible parts: Fruit pulp, Leaves, Seeds

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: Apr, 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
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Polpa del frutto, Foglie, Semi
Preparation: Pulp is dried and powdered; seeds roasted; leaves cooked as spinach
Flavor: Tangy, citrusy, sherbet-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
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: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Drinks, Powders, Sauces, Soups Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Mix baobab powder with water and sugar for a refreshing drink

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