Baobab. What? Never heard of it? Now you have.

Baobab is a fruit native to Africa. Originally it was a local fruit, however researchers have begun to see extreme potential in it. It has a huge variety of nutrients and several other health benefits. The baobab is like a coconut except more elongated and instead of juice and white meat inside, there are white blocks that are powdery. However now the world may get a chance to taste this exotic fruit. The European Union has given the ok for baobab to be sold in their stores as well as in products. This situation is a win-win. It gues the world a new, health fruit, and provides African women with money to pay for their children's education.

This fruit has six times the vitaman c than an orange. It also has twice the amount of calcium as a glass of milk does. Not only that, it also contains vitamin B, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and antioxidants! Eating one of these would be like killing an entire flock of birds with one stone. Scientists are still researching to see if the baobab has any other properties that may make it unique like pomegranate, which may reduce heart disease and other things. If proved to be beneficial to the human body, a huge market could open up.

Baobab is already found in some pepper sauces and jams. One day, it might be found in cereal bars as well as smoothies. There's already a wide variety of things you can do with baobab. Natives in Africa mixed it with porridge to add a little more flavor. Other possibilities are adding it to fruit drinks and hot sauces. If you ever see one in a local store, pick one up and try it. People say it has a "distinct tart flavor". Even if it doesn't taste good, at least it's good for you.

National Geographic Volume 218, Number 3. 2010