Growing from ancient trees that predate humankind, baobab is widely regarded as the world’s original superfruit. But how much do you know about this magical un-caped crusader?
Embark on a remarkable journey with UNROOTED Drinks, as we explore questions like, what is baobab? Where does it come from? What are its health benefits?
And what on earth is it doing on our milkround?!
Who are UNROOTED Drinks?
UNROOTED Drinks are the number one sustainable shot brand (ranked by consumers), committed to creating sensational products for a sensational planet. Their story is deeply rooted in sustainable stewardship and tradition, with a modern everyday twist. You know, just like our milkround!
If you’d like to learn more about the incredible UNROOTED Drinks story and mission, check out our blog.
What is baobab?
Baobab is a fruit that grows from the Adansonia tree genus, native to Africa and Australia. Widely considered the world’s original, most sustainable superfruit, the African baobab fruit’s benefits stretch almost as far as the colossal roots and branches upon which it grows.
Dense in energy-boosting nutrients, the baobab fruit has been a staple in the diet of African hunter-gather tribes for thousands of years. And now, UNROOTED Drinks are bringing it to the mainstream.
“Baobab was once a pretty niche ingredient,” says Mark, “but a lot of chefs started using it around five years ago. It’s an amazing fruit, which I’ve known for many years. I feel a natural affinity to it, thanks to my wife’s upbringing on a farm in South Africa.”
How to pronounce baobab
Baobab is pronounced bay-oh-bab. The name of this ancient fruit comes from the Arabic word, buhibab, which translates to “fruit with many seeds.”
Baobab benefits
The baobab fruit wears the crown (or should we say, cape) of the world’s most nutrient-dense superfruit for a reason. Benefits of the baobab fruit include everything from improved digestion right on through to boosting immunity and managing blood sugar levels.
Baobab health benefits:
Gramme for gramme, the baobab fruit contains:
- • FIVE TIMES more fibre than oats
- • FIVE TIMES more vitamin C than oranges
- • DOUBLE the antioxidants as acai
So, what are the top five baobab health benefits?
- 1. Great gut health
Rich in fibre, baobab is known as a natural prebiotic. This is one of many key baobab health benefits, as it aids digestion, improves absorption, and supports healthy bacteria in the gut. Not bad, eh?
- 2. Natural energy
Baobab provides the perfect caffeine-free boost for those of you looking for extra pep without the post-coffee slump. This zesty, sun-kissed power pack has all the get-up-and-go vitamin C you need to rev up those energy levels.
“I often compare a shot of baobab to eating a banana,” says Mark. “Our bodies naturally need energy, and this gives you natural, sustained energy throughout the day, unlike the peaks and troughs you get from coffee or sugar.”
- 3. Boosting immunity
Baobab is a fruit fortress fighting against bugs and bacteria. With enough Vitamin C to make an orange blush with envy, the baobab is also loaded with antioxidants. AKA, the feisty compounds that fend off cellular ne’er-do-wells.
- 4. Promoting healthy skin
Who knew that the secret to glowing skin was hiding in the branches of this majestic tree? Baobab fruits boast a bucketload of Vitamin C, the skincare superstar that’s all about collagen production. They’re also a hydration hero, helping to lock in moisture and keep your skin strong. Long story short, the baobab is basically nature’s own anti-aging cream!
- 5. Curbing your appetite
And last but certainly not least in our list of baobab fruit benefits is its ability to reduce hunger and promote fullness. Due to its high fibre intake, baobab can help you manage your appetite and even support weight management goals.
What is the baobab tree? And why is it so unique?
When it comes to size and sustainable and social impact, the baobab tree is the heavyweight champion of the tree world. Growing up to 30 metres tall (that’s the size of a 10-storey building, by the way), baobab plants are nature’s majestic giants.
It ain’t easy being a tree in Africa, what with the diverse conditions, scorching temperatures and arid deserts. But one African tree that makes it look easy is the baobab.
These living legends are a symbol of endurance and resilience. And their size isn’t just for show. To survive the dry, unforgiving conditions, the African baobab tree can store up to 100,000 litres of water in their mammoth trunks, which can grow to a ginormous 11 metres in diameter.
The uniqueness of the African baobab tree goes beyond its size. Its smooth and fibrous bark resembles the skin of an elephant, and continually regenerates in the gaps (known as false cavities) between its multiple fused stems.
Benefits of the baobab tree
The baobab plant has many names, but its most prominent title is the African Tree of Life. This is due to the many benefits of the baobab tree. That’s right, the fruits aren’t the only superheroes!
The fruit and bark of the African baobab tree offer over 300 life-sustaining uses, from grub and oils to rubs and remedies. The Tree of Life thrives where very little else can grow, and act as a source of food, shelter and water for hundreds of animals.
Whether you’re an elephant chowing down on its bark, a bat snacking on its nectar, a cuckoo nesting in its leaves, or a monkey swinging in its branches, the baobab is like an all-you-can eat buffet and five-star hotel all in one.
The baobab is the supermarket of the savannah and botanical bed and breakfast, supporting an entire ecosystem and boosting biodiversity, all in a day’s work.
History of the baobab tree
The prehistoric baobab tree is over 200 million years old (predating humankind), and each tree can live up to 3,000 years. So, it comes as no surprise that there’s a rich history behind the baobab.
Standing tall at the centre of indigenous African communities, they’ve been consumed in the continent since ancient times. A BBC Documentary on one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes highlighted just how long the baobab has been nourishing humankind.
“The documentary revealed that the Hadza tribe have one of the most diverse microbiomes in the world,” says Mark. “And this was because of their consumption of baobab.”
“Give me some of that baobab magic!”
If you want to give baobab a shot, and discover the endless nutritional, environmental and social benefits of UNROOTED Drinks, check out our Punchy Turmeric Daily Doser or Mighty Ginger Daily Doser. Available on subscription or one-time order via our milkround now!
