What is Baobab Tree Commonly Used For? A Guide to This African Superfood

The baobab tree, scientifically known as Adansonia digitata, is an iconic part of the African savannah landscape. These massive trees have a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk that can reach enormous proportions. In fact, some ancient baobab specimens have trunks exceeding 30 feet in diameter! But more than just a beautiful curiosity, the baobab is an extremely useful and versatile tree that has been an integral part of African culture for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the many practical applications and health benefits of different baobab tree parts that make it such a valuable resource.

Edible Leaves

The leaves of the baobab tree are edible and highly nutritious. They can be harvested year-round and are commonly dried and powdered for use as a nutritional supplement. Fresh baobab leaves contain notable levels of essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Dried leaves are also rich in antioxidants. Baobab leaf powder is a traditional ingredient used to prepare soups, stews, relishes and sauces in many parts of Africa due to its tangy, spinach-like taste. The leaf powder can also be stirred into yogurt or milkshakes.

Nutritious Fruit

The baobab fruit is packed with vitamin C – much more than oranges! It also contains significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Baobab fruit has a velvety shell and looks similar to coconut. The edible pulp inside has a sweet-tart flavor often described as a mix of pear, vanilla and grapefruit. It can be eaten fresh or added to smoothies. The fruit pulp also contains pectin so it can be used to make jams. Baobab fruit powder is another extremely nutritious supplement that contains four times the antioxidants as blueberries.

Seed Oil

The seeds inside baobab fruit contain oils that have great emollient properties for skin and hair. When pressed, the seeds produce an oil rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids to revitalize dull, dry skin. Baobab seed oil contains antioxidants and quickly absorbs to improve skin elasticity. It also provides shine, smoothness and protection to dry hair. This nourishing oil can be applied directly or used as an ingredient in cosmetics.

Water Storage

A amazing natural feature of baobab trees is their ability to store large reserves of water inside their massive hollow trunks. The spongy wood pulp can hold up to 32,000 gallons of water! Tapping into this reservoirs allows rural communities to access clean drinking water during dry seasons. The tree basically serves as a natural well. Wildlife also relies on baobabs as a vital water source in parched savannah ecosystems.

Rope and Cloth

The inner bark of baobab trees has long been used to produce rope, baskets, mats paper and cloth due to its strong fibrous nature. The bark is soaked to soften it, then pounded with a mallet into strands which can be twisted into rope or woven into useful products. Softening the bark in boiling water allows it to be used to make clothing like hats and loincloths. Paper made from baobab bark was traditionally used for manuscripts.

Soap and Cosmetics

Baobab seeds produce an oil that acts as a natural moisturizer, but the seeds can also be used to make soap. The powder from crushed, roasted seeds works as a substitute for detergent. It creates a gentle, biodegradable soap rich in skin-softening fatty acids. Baobab bark is also added to some cosmetic products as a fragrance.

Livestock Forage

The leaves and fruit of the baobab are beneficial animal feeds providing protein, vitamins and moisture. The foliage is harvested during the rainy season then dried for use as a supplement to bulk feeds. The high calcium content of the leaves and fruit also strengthen bones in livestock. In times of drought, the baobab’s water-rich trunk provides vital fluid for cattle, elephants and other wildlife.

Medicinal Uses

Many parts of the baobab tree have been used in herbal medicines for centuries. The bark is a common ingredient to treat fever and diarrhea. Baobab leaves, fruit pulp and seeds can help with inflammation. Compounds in baobab bark and leaves have been scientifically studied for anti-malarial and immune-boosting effects.

Clearly this iconic tree is far more than just a landscape curiosity – it is truly a remarkable African superfood! From the arid savannahs of the Serengeti to tropical village markets, the baobab nourishes communities, wildlife and the environment in myriad ways. No wonder it has been dubbed “the tree of life”!