Baobab: Africa's superfood

The baobab is the only fruit in the world to dry naturally on the branch. After these long velvety yellow pods bake in the sun for about six months, the shells become hard, smooth and brown, with no moisture inside. Baobab harvesters have to climb up the ancient trees and knock the pods down - check out this week's eco@africa show to see how it's done!

The baobab tree is an icon of the African continent. Despite the extremely dry conditions of the African savannah, these trees can grow for thousands of years, storing water in their giant trunks and producing nutrient-rich fruits. They provide not only food but also shelter for animals and humans. No wonder the baobab has become known as the 'Tree of Life'.

Baobab trees store thousands of liters of water in their trunks to endure harsh conditions. But they need to grow for at least 25 years before they start to produce fruit. The trees do not grow in plantations, but are wild or community owned. With demand for the fruit growing, conservationists are concerned about the impact on the trees and their environments.

In Kenya, harvesting baobab fruit helps people develop a sustainable source of income. The fruit used to only be eaten by people living in rural communities close to the trees. But now it's increasingly being sold in big cities and exported to other countries. The European Union first allowed imports of baobab in 2008 - now, the EU receives about 20 tons of the fruit every year.

Once harvested, the hard seed pods have to be cracked open, revealing the chalky dry chunks of fruit inside. It's then pounded into a fine powder that can be easily stirred into food and drinks or used as a thickener. The tangy fruit is also known as monkey bread or bouie, and is revered for its nourishing and curative qualities.

Baobab fruit has around 300 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams, five times more than oranges. Healthy and delicious, it makes a popular juice, while its leaves and seeds are also used in cosmetics and food products. It's thought to boost immune function, promote younger-looking skin and keep energy levels high.

Baobab trees strike a stunning sillhouette. This variety is native to Madagascar, a large island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. The country's 'Avenue of the Baobabs' is home to trees which are centuries old, and draws travelers from around the world. In Malagasy, the local language, the trees are known as the 'mother of the forest.'