Baobab Fruit Research Articles

Formulation of nutritious and functional meal-based biscuits from mixture of soybean, papaya fruit pulp, and baobab fruit pulp flours

Background and objectiveThe current trend in the formulation of convenience foods like biscuits is directed towards using local ingredients endowed with health benefits effects. The present study aimed at valorizing local crops and fruits as substitutes for wheat flour (WF) and sugar in the formulation of healthy, nutritious and functional meal-based biscuits. MethodsSoybean (Glycine max L.), papaya fruit pulp (Carica papaya L.) and baobab fruit pulp (Adansonia digitata L.) flours were produced, characterized, and used to formulate biscuits following a simplex centroid mixing design. The physicochemical, microbiological, sensory and antioxidant properties of the biscuits were assessed. ResultsThe results showed that protein and lipid contents of the biscuits increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the proportion of soybean flour (SF) in the formulation. The significant increase (p < 0.05) in the mineral content of the biscuits was proportional to the incorporation of papaya fruit pulp (PFPF) and baobab fruit pulp (BFPF) flours in the formulation. The energetic value of the formulated biscuits was higher than those made with 100 % WF. The incorporation of SF and BFPF contributed to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the crude fibres’ content of biscuits. Biscuits made with SF, PFPF and BFPF were safe for human consumption. They were accepted by the panelists; rich in bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoids), and displayed high antioxidant activities. The optimization procedure revealed that the optimum formulation (with the highest desirability of 0.81) was WF 25 g, SF 51.86 g, PFPF 8.06 g and BFPF 15.06 g ConclusionThis study indicates that baobab fruit pulp, papaya fruit pulp and soybean flours can be used as a substitute for WF in the formulation of functional biscuits. Significance of the researchThis study suggests that the formulated meal-based biscuits might have the potential to be used to fight/prevent malnutrition and cardiometabolic diseases, and to boost the immune system while reducing the dependence on wheat.

Extruded wholegrain sorghum porridges fortified with baobab fruit and moringa leaves display bioactive phenolics-related health-promoting properties

Background and objectivesFood-to-food fortification (FtFF) is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance nutritional value of cereal-based foods. Sorghum, a major food crop for millions in the semi-arid tropics lends itself to such FtFF efforts. Such food-to-food fortified (FtF fortified) foods also contain bioactive phenolics with health-promoting properties in relation to potential protection against diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) whose prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the effects of extrusion cooking of sorghum-based porridges FtF fortified with baobab fruit powder and moringa leaf powder on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-lipogenic properties were determined. FindingsFtFF porridges showed higher phenolic content (phenolic acids and their esters, flavonoids and their glycosides) and greater radical scavenging properties and reduction in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) compared to unfortified porridges. Extruded instant porridges had lower phenolic content, radical scavenging properties and showed less reduction in AGEs compared to conventionally wet-cooked porridges. All porridges exerted antioxidant effects in Caco-2 cells and FtFF inhibited nitric oxide (NO) formation in RAW 264.7 cells. Extracts from all porridge samples exhibited prevention and reduction of adipocyte formation in 3 T3-L1 cells, indicating anti-lipogenic effects. ConclusionFtFF (with moringa and baobab) and extrusion cooking can be used to produce instant porridges from wholegrain sorghums with targeted health-promoting properties to address rising non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance and noveltyThis study highlights the potential of FtFF with tropical plant foodstuffs to improve health-promoting properties of cereal wholegrain-based starchy staple foods.

Chemical Composition, Functional, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of Locally Produced Complementary Food from Rizgah (Plectranthus esculentus), Baobab Fruit Powder (Adansonia digitata), Soybean (Glycine max) and Crayfish (Cambarus Sp) Flour Blends

Chemical Composition, Functional, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of Locally Produced Complementary Food from Rizgah (Plectranthus esculentus), Baobab Fruit Powder (Adansonia digitata), Soybean (Glycine max) and Crayfish (Cambarus Sp) Flour Blends

Fabrication and Characterization of Baobab Pod (Adansoniadigitata) FiberReinforced Polyester Resin Composite

Baobab pod fibres were obtained from Sabo market in Zaria and sliced longitudinally, screened out from the baobab fruit, washed with water, dried under sun for fabrication and characterization. The fiber was extracted and treated with 5% NaOH solution. Important samples were fabricated with different fiber loading of 10wt%-30wt%. The samples were moulded using Hand Lay-up method followed by pressing and post cured at 60oC for 3 hours. The result showed tensile strength decreases as the loading of fiber increased from 20 wt% to 30 wt%. It was also observed that baobab composite has the highest tensile strength of 18.85 MPa at 20 wt% and least (16.45 MPa) at 15 wt%. The result also revealed the elongation at break increased from 20 wt% to 25 wt%. At 25wt% it has a maximum value (18.4%) elongation at break; at 30wt%. It was also observed that the density increased with increase in the fiber loading from 15wt% to 30wt% (1.23g/cm3 - 2g/cm3) respectively. At 15wt% shows a maximum water take-up of 6.53% while from 20 wt% to 30 wt%, Flexural strength increased from 10 wt% to 15 wt% (23.98MPa - 46.3Mpa). However, the bending stress decreases on increasing the fiber loading from 20-30 wt% (30.2 Mpa – 25.2 Mpa). The elastic nature of the composite generally increases with increased in fiber loading. This study, however recommend hybridization of baobab pod fiber with other natural fiber to investigate the mechanical and physical property of the hybrid composite for better result.

Bioactive Compounds and Scavenging Capacity of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Pulp Extracts against ROS and RNS of Physiological Relevance

Background: Baobab fruit is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Although it is acknowledged that baobab pulp is beneficial for health, studies that link its nutraceutical properties to the ability to eliminate reactive species (ROS and RNS) are scarce. Methods: The nutritional profile and the antioxidant properties of baobab pulp extracts from Angola were evaluated. Thus, for the first time, the evaluation of in vitro scavenging capacity against the most physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were the focus of investigation. Results: Angolan fruit pulp presented high contents of ash (8.0%) and total dietary fiber (52%). Vitamin E content was reported for the first time in fruit pulp. Green solvents were used to quantify bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited the highest contents of phenolics (1573.0 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (768.7 mg/100 g). Thus, hydroalcoholic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, and higher scavenging capacity for ROS (O2•−, H2O2, HOCl, ROO•) and RNS (•NO, ONOO−), being most active for •NO and ONOO−. Conclusion: For the first time, Angolan baobab fruit was described in respect to its nutritional contribution as well as its positive antioxidant effects, both as a functional food and as a nutraceutical ingredient.

Influence of the extraction process on the chemical composition and oxidation state of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed oil

Baobab oil is nowadays highly prized by local populations as well as the cosmetic industry. It is a rare oil due to the low oil content of the seeds of the baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.). To obtain this oil, the collected seeds were cleaned and ground into powder. Then, the extraction was done by pressing and solvent. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the extraction method on the composition of baobab oil. According to the results obtained, the solvent extraction process has an influence on the fatty acid composition, especially for oleic (36.42 vs 37.40) % and linoleic (26.85 vs 25.21) % acids. We note a significant difference in the total sterol in favor of the solvent extraction process (370.02 mg.100.g-1 for the oil obtained by pressing against 458.14 mg.100.g-1 for the oil obtained by solvent). Solvent extraction drastically reduces total tocopherols from 1562.4 mg.kg-1 to 547.6 mg.kg-1. The chlorophyll content decreases slightly. However, the carotenoid content increases slightly with solvent extraction. According to the results obtained, the soxhlet solvent extraction process has an effect on the chemical composition of the oil. The heat contributes to the oxidation of the oil and the reduction of sensitive elements such as tocopherols.

In-vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of extracts from the pulp and seeds of the African baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.)

Adansonia digitata, commonly known as the African Baobab plant is used widely in traditional medicine for treating of many diseases. The current study investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and nutritional composition of the pulp and seeds from the fruit of African Baobab plant. Matured fruits were harvested and processed by separating the fruit pulp and seeds. Water, 70 % Ethanol/water mixture, and Hexane were used as solvents for extraction. Antioxidant properties of extracts in this study were investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxidescavenging assays., Total Flavonoid Content, Total Phenolic Content, Total Tannin Content, and Total Antioxidant Capacity were also investigated. Agar Well Diffusion and Broth Dilution methods were used to estimate the antimicrobial properties of the extracts. The proximate composition of the seeds and fruit pulps was also determined. GC-MS was employed to determine the fatty acid composition. Results obtained showed the presence of Total phenolics (range 4.1–5.5 mg GAE/g), Total flavonoids (range 10.1–16.5 mg QE/g), Total Tannins (range 1.7–15.6 mg CE/g), and Antioxidants (range 2.0–14.5 mg AAE/g). The H2O2 and DPPH assays gave IC50s in the ranges of 300–1800 mg/L and 700–1600 mg/L respectively. Extract from the fruit pulp was found to inhibit the growth of a panel of 2 g-positive bacteria, 2 g-negative bacteria, and two fungi microorganisms. Fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were found to be present in oil from the seeds. Proximate components such as crude protein, crude fat, and crude fibre were found to be high. From the results, seeds and the fruit pulp of the African Baobab plant have significant antioxidant properties and can inhibit microbial growth.

Chemical Characterization Analysis, Antioxidants, and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Two Novel Acidic Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Isolated from Baobab Fruits.

This study explores the isolation and characterization of two acidic polysaccharides from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruits, named ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3; the two types of acidic polysaccharides exhibited high sugar content and chemical structural features characterized by O-H, C-H, carbonyl C=O, and COOH carboxyl functional groups. The two fractions showed molecular weights of 1.66 × 105 and 9.59 × 104 Da. ADPs40-F3 residues consist of arabinose (2.80%), galactose (0.91%), glucose (3.60%), xylose (34.70%), and galacturonic acid (58.10%). On the other hand, ADPs60-F3 is composed of rhamnose (1.50%), arabinose (5.50%), galactose (2.50%), glucose (3.10%), xylose (26.00%), and galacturonic acid (61.40%). Furthermore, NMR analysis showed that the main acidic structures of ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3 are formed by 4,6)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→ residues and 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ 4,6)-α-d-Galp-(4,6→, →2)-α-Rhap- residues, respectively, based on the observed signals. Antioxidant assays against DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP revealed significant antioxidant activities for ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3, comparable to ascorbic acid (VC). Additionally, both polysaccharides exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. In vivo evaluation demonstrated that ADPs60-F3 significantly reduced blood glucose levels, indicating promising therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the potential utility of baobab fruit polysaccharides as natural antioxidants and anti-diabetic agents.

Baobab trees population and economic contribution: Stems density, asset value and fruits value chains in Kilolo and Iringa Urban districts, Tanzania

The contribution of non-timber forest products to the economy is ignored and often undervalued due to their subsistence nature. The study focused on baobab trees aiming to understand the baobab population, its asset value across various land uses, and the contribution of baobab fruits to the economy. Kilolo District and Iringa Urban District were purposively selected due to the availability of baobab trees and activities involving baobab fruit businesses in the districts. A stratified random sampling was done to select four land uses, in particular, settlement land, farmland, grazing land, and village forest reserve land for a biophysical survey. Besides, a socio-economic survey was conducted employing key informants’ interviews, market and household surveys to collect data for the assessment of baobab fruit value chains. A total of 91 respondents were interviewed, specifically, 44 harvesters, 1 village wholesaler, 2 middlemen, 2 village retailers, 6 processors 22 urban retailers, and 13 baobab fruits consumers. The study observed 5.27±0.39 stems/ha of baobab trees in grazing land, farmland (3.88±0.73stem/ha), village forest reserve land (2.68±0.17stem/land), and settlement land (2.27±0.31 stem/ha). Also, the total biological asset value of baobab trees was highest in farmland (29.87±9.04 USD/ha) and lowest in settlement land (12.36±2.82 USD/ha). Total chain value added was highest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village wholesalers (1.17 USD/Kg) and lowest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village retailers (0.27 USD/Kg) because of limited value-adding activities in the latter chain. Limited access to market information, low prices, poor storage facilities, lack of capital, poor processing facilities, and seasonal availability of baobab fruits were challenges facing baobab fruits value chain actors. The study concludes that the population of baobab trees differs between land uses implying the potential threats to its existence, and the need for desirable strategies for its conservation and management. So far, baobab is only harvested from self-growing trees, so the study proposes domestication and commercialization of the tree species to raise communities' contribution to the economy.

Effect of extrusion cooking in combination with food-to-food fortification on the mineral bioaccessibility of African-type pearl millet-based porridge

Mineral deficiencies, especially iron and zinc, are still prevalent in urban as well as rural communities among women and children across Africa, including the Sahel. Here, effects of extrusion cooking in combination with food-to-food fortification (FtFF) with plant foods rich in minerals (moringa leaf powder) and their bioavailability enhancers, organic acids (baobab fruit) and β-carotene (carrots, mango, papaya) and additionally micronutrient premix fortification on iron, zinc and other mineral bioaccessibilities in wholegrain pearl millet-based porridges in comparison to their conventionally wet-cooked equivalents were investigated. Percentage bioaccessible iron in extrusion-cooked porridges FtFF with moringa+baobab+carrots+mango, baobab+carrots+papaya and together with micronutrient premix was generally similar to their conventionally cooked FtFF-porridge equivalents. However, the amount of bioaccessible iron in the extrusion-cooked FtFF-porridges was some three times higher. Iron contamination through solubilization from the extruder parts was responsible. Percentage and amount of bioaccessible zinc of the extrusion-cooked FtFF-porridges was substantially increased. This is likely due to phytate degradation during extrusion cooking, thereby reducing the phytate's mineral-chelating effects. Concerning calcium and magnesium, there was no positive effect of extrusion cooking on their bioaccessibility when compared to conventional cooking. However, FtFF substantially increased the amount of bioaccessible calcium and magnesium in the conventionally- and extrusion-cooked FtFF-porridges because of their high contents in moringa and baobab. Consumption of extrusion-cooked ready-to-eat FtFF-porridges, especially when additionally conventionally fortified, is promising to significantly improve bioaccessible iron and zinc in the diet of at-risk African populations, particularly in urban communities.

Creating and Assessing the Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Millet Based Composite Mixed Complementary Food: An Innovative Approach

The study developed millet-based composite complementary mixes in the form of convenience foods for children, as cost effective and easy approaches that offer variety, convenience and quality food that combat micro nutrient deficiencies. A complete randomized designed was used for the experiment. The household recipes with supplementation of nutrients rich food sources: millet, toasted soybean and sesame seeds flour samples were blended at the ratios of 6:2:1 while cray fish, orange flesh sweet potatoes, dried moringa leaves and baobab fruit pulp were supplemented at the ratio 2:1:1:1 using varying proportions 10% (MBF), 15% (MCF), 20% (MDF) respectively while millet alone served as control (MAF).Functional properties (bulk density, water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity) and proximate composition, micro nutrient composition were carried out on the individual flour samples. The proximate composition of flour samples showed increased in crude protein from 9.13±0.09 to 14.21±0.13, fat content 5.38±0.09 to 7.79±0.08, fibre from 3.05±1.03 to 5.68±2.43, ash from 2.17±0.79 to 3.41±0.42. There was decreased moisture content from 10.71±0.42to 7.61±0.25 and carbohydrates from 69.56±0.40to 61.65±0.28%. There was an increase in the micro nutrient composition with increasing incorporation level of other flours. The sensory evaluation revealed 15% (MCF) menu showed promising results, presenting a high level of acceptance and good protein digestibility (85.98%). These results suggest significant potential for development opportunities that enhanced dietary diversification and improved nutritional outcomes of malnourished children.

Effects of dietary baobab, Adansonia digitata on growth, haemato-immunological status, antioxidant biomarkers, intestinal histomorphometry, gene expression responses, and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study explored the influences of baobab fruit extract powder (BP) on growth, oxidant-antioxidant balance, immunity, intestinal histology, expression of growth and immune genes, and disease resistance in Nile tilapia. Fish were fed on five test diets supplied with different BP levels as BP0 (control; 0 g kg−1), BP1 (1 g kg−1), BP2 (2 g kg−1), BP3 (3 g kg−1), and BP4 (4 g kg−1) for two months. Results revealed that dietary BP improved the growth in all BP groups compared with the BP0 group, with the best values apparent in the BP4 group. However, dietary BP did not affect the whole-body chemical composition and survival rates in all groups. Serum immunity biomarkers (lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and bactericidal activities) were enhanced in all BP groups compared to the BP0 group. Hepatic antioxidant status significantly improved, as manifested by increases in the hepatic CAT, SOD, and T-AOC and decreases in MDA concentrations in BP groups compared to the controls. Of interest, dietary BP supplementation significantly increased the expression of growth-related genes (ghr1, ghr2, igf-1, and igf-2) in the liver and immunity-associated genes (inf-γ1, lyz, il-1β, il-10, and hepcidin) in the spleen of BP-treated fish in comparison with the controls. The intestinal histological sections revealed no significant variations among all groups with normal histoarchitecture and goblet cells. After experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila, the survival rates (%) in the BP0, BP1, BP2, BP3, and BP4 groups were 23.33, 43.33, 56.67, 63.33, and 70.00, respectively, suggesting the positive roles of BP in increasing the fish disease resistance. To conclude, dietary BP could improve growth (particularly in the BP4), serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and transcription of growth and immune genes in O. niloticus. In addition, the highest disease resistance was also found in the BP4 group. All in all, BP at a dose rate (4 g kg−1 diet) could be regarded as a functional feed supplement for tilapia farming.

Yields and milk characteristics of Bunaji, Wadara and Friesian X Bunaji cows fed Dietary baobab fruit pulp meal under tropical environment

Yields and milk characteristics of Bunaji, Wadara and Friesian X Bunaji cows fed Dietary baobab fruit pulp meal under tropical environment

Impact of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Meal on the Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Does Crossed with South Africa Boer Bucks

Red Sokoto goat (RSG) does was crossed with South African Boer (SAB) bucks with the aim of improving the reproductive performance of RSG. Oestrus was synchronized in thirty-two (32) primiparous RSG does using 45mg fluorogestone acetate vagina sponges for fourteen (14) days. Pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin hormone was administered immediately after sponge removal and SAB bucks were introduced for matting. Twenty four (24) gravid RSG weighing 18.80kg – 19.55kg were selected and fed graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata. L) pulp-seed meal (BPSM) supplement in a completely randomized experimental design of six (6) replicates per treatment. There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the results obtained. At parturition, animals on 10% BPSM level had the highest mean weight value of 27.00kg while the does on 0% BPSM recorded the least value of 25.00kg. At pregnancy, animals on 10% BPSM had the highest weight gain value of 7.80kg, followed by 30% BPSM with a weight gain of 7.20kg. 20% BPSM had 6.25kg weight gain and the least value of 6.00kg was recorded for animals on 0% BPSM. Weight of RSG does at weaning ranged from 22.00kg to 24.00kg. The Birth weight of kids were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) with highest value of 2.85kg (10% BPSM), as control diet (0% BPSM) recorded birth weight of 2.00kg. The sex ratio of male: female recorded in the study were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) across treatments. The kid weight at weaning and daily weight gain of the kids was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) at all levels of BPSM inclusion. There was no kid mortality at birth. However, kid mortality at weaning recorded infinitesimal value of 1% for 10% and 40% supplementation level.

Quality Jam from Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) Fruit Pulp Powder: Formulation and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties

Adansonia digitata L (Baobab) is a large plant species which thrives in many semiarid regions of the world with remarkable economic and nutritional importance. In Ethiopia, it grows in deserts and hot lowlands. Industrially, baobab fruit pulp (powder) is used for producing good quality jams. This study was carried out to (a) develop a formulation protocol for producing high-quality baobab jam, (b) characterize the jam using standard physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation methods, and (c) examine the effects of time and temperature of storage on the quality as well as shelf life of the jam. Out of the seven formulations tested, a formulation enriched with 55 g table sugar, 45 g baobab fruit powder, 0.50 g ascorbic acid, and 0.40 to 0.60 g citrus pectin jelling (formulation no. 6) and another one enriched with 60 g table sugar, 40 g baobab fruit powder, 0.50 g ascorbic acid, and 0.40 to 0.60 g citrus pectin jelling (formulation no. 7) resulted in the best jam products. The jam product of formulation no. 7 enriched with 0.50 g ascorbic acid and 0.60 g citrus pectin jelling was better in terms of storage stability and sensory acceptability. Increasing storage time (up to 45 to 90 days) and temperature (from 10–12°C to 25–27°C) lowered the products’ nutritional quality and sensory acceptability. High-microbial growths were observed in the products stored at higher temperature longer, but all the microbial loads were far below the acceptable limit. In the absence of measures that improve their shelf lives, household and small-scale jam products have to be consumed fresh or within weeks after their preparation.

Bioactivity profiles of six baobab fruit pulp powders via planar chromatography hyphenated with effect-directed analysis

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp has a high nutrient content and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes (e.g., as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent) that may help protect against chronic diseases. Six different baobab fruit pulp powders were investigated using three different extractants and analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with antibacterial bioassays and enzyme inhibition assays. The developed non-target effect-directed screening was performed after extraction with pentyl acetate – ethanol 1:1 (V/V) on the HPTLC plate silica gel 60 using toluene – ethyl acetate – methanol 6:3:1 (V/V/V) as mobile phase system and derivatization via the anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent for detection. The physico-chemical profiles of the six baobab fruit pulp powder extracts were comparable, although the intensity of some zones was moderately different. The following effect-directed profiling via tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition assays as well as antibacterial Aliivibrio fischeri and Bacillus subtilis bioassays revealed one prominent multipotent bioactive compound zone in common, more or less active in all five studied (bio)assays. Via the recording of high-resolution mass spectra, this compound zone was tentatively assigned to coeluting saturated (palmitic acid 16:0 and stearic acid 18:0), monounsaturated (oleic acid 18:1), and polyunsaturated (linoleic acid 18:2 and linolenic acid 18:3) fatty acids. This finding was confirmed by other studies, which already proved individual activities of fatty acids. The first (bio)activity profiling of baobab fruit pulp powders via HPTLC-effect-directed analysis revealed that the baobab fruit could be considered as a functional food, however, further research is needed to study the impact on health and the influences on the bioactivity arising from different climates, years and soils or regions.

Food Security from the Forest: The Case of the Commodification of Baobab Fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) in Boundou Region, Senegal

Wild edible fruits from the forest have often been regarded as poverty food; however, there has been a notable shift in recent years as these wild edible fruits have gained increasing recognition for their significance in global food security, especially in agricultural societies such as Senegal. This paper contributes to the debate on how the forest plays a role in diets and nutrition security using the example of wild fruit (Baobab) found in the Boundou Region in Senegal. The livelihood strategies of people in this region have been subject to external influences, such as climate shock and restrictions enforced as the area became a protected area in 2009. These external influences have resulted in the loss of pasture use and the prohibition of hunting. Restriction of access to these previous commons (pasture, wildlife) diminishes the resilience of the local population. However, a new alternative of seasonal usage of wild fruit, specifically baobab, for commercial purposes has emerged as everybody in the community has unrestricted access to collecting these wild edible fruits within the protected area, which is uncommon in other protected areas. The commodification and commercialization of these wild fruits bring essential cash income to many households, thereby improving food security.

Biochemical, Nutritional and Microbiological Quality of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Pulp Marketed in Ouagadougou

Baobab pulp is consumed in Burkina Faso for its nutritional and health properties. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical, nutritional and microbiological quality of baobab pulp sold on the markets of Ouagadougou. A total of five samples were collected in five markets. Total aerobic mesophilic flora, Salmonella, Sighella, yeasts and molds, water content, total sugars, protein content, dry matter, pH, Ash content and total phenolic content were determined by standard methods. Water content were ranged between 9.25 and 9.85% with an average of 9.63%; Ash content, between 4.07 to and 9.98 % with an average of 5.67%; total sugars were from 49.84 to 56.85 % with an average of 52.58 %; dry matter ranged, from 90.14 to 90.74 with an average of 90.36 and a low protein content (2.95 to 5.30%) with an average of 3.95%. pH and total phenolic values are respectively from 4.78 to 5.06 with an average 4.96 and 1790.64 to 2385 with an average of 2029.31 mg of gallic acid equivalent. Total aerobic mesophilic flora (TMFA) revealed load of 7.73×107 to 1.06×108 CFU/mL and an absence of Salmonella and Sighella (SS) in 25 g. As for yeasts and molds, they varied from 1.00×105 CFU/mL to 2.91×105 CFU/mL. The biochemichal characteristics revealed the nutritional quality but the microbiological results, cases of non-compliance. However, cases of conformity were observed for Salmonella, Sighella, yeasts and molds. An interesting total sugars and total phenols and low proportions of protein were revealed. It is important to focus on microbiological quality to preserve consumer health.

Consumers behavior, attitudes, and beliefs regarding baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit and pulp consumption in Sudan

There are growing number of empirical studies on the baobab value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most studies focus on nutritional composition, traditional uses, the distribution of baobab trees, and collection. However, there are few studies on the marketing of baobab fruit pulp, especially on consumer behavior, attitudes, and beliefs regarding baobab fruit pulp. In this context, our study aims to explore consumer behavior, attitudes and beliefs regarding baobab fruit pulp. We also evaluate the market development potential of baobab fruit pulp in selected markets in El Obeid and Khartoum in Sudan. The study employs a mixed methods approach that includes a survey (N = 499), focus group discussion (N = 16), stakeholder interviews (N = 2), and a SWOT analysis. The study shows that the consumption of baobab fruit pulp is common among Sudanese consumers. Consumers also show strong positive attitudes and beliefs, as well as social support for baobab consumption. Nutritional and health benefits tend to drive consumer interest in baobab fruit pulp. The study also identified high demand, export opportunities, and extraction of ingredients from baobab as opportunities to develop baobab markets. However, a lack of quality control, regulations, poor distribution, and insufficient fruit supply may limit exploration of these opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise knowledge of the nutritional and functional properties of baobab fruit, as well as its ability to fight health-related diseases, to further develop local markets. Processors must also improve the quality and safety of their goods. Policymakers must also create a regulatory structure that supports Sudan’s baobab value chain.

A review of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit processing as a catalyst for enhancing wealth and food security

Scientific study on non-timber forest products with potential for use by humans has recently experienced a resurgence. Baobab is one of these non-timber forest products, and every part of the baobab has been shown by studies to be useful. Because the fruit products of the baobab tree contain enormous amounts of phytochemicals, these products have found uses in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Hence, this study examined, among other things, the role of the physical and mechanical properties of the baobab seeds in relation to design of equipment for processing as well as the phytochemicals found in the fruit products. It also discussed the traditional and orthodox uses of the baobab product. Along with vitamins and amino-acids found in the pulp, other minerals were also reviewed. High quantities of proteins, lipids, essential amino acids, and fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, as well as Omega 3, 6, and 9, are present in baobab seeds and the seed oil. Antinutrients present in baobab seeds have the potential to be harmful to human health when consumed. The study examined different processing techniques used to lessen these antinutrients present in the seeds. To fully realize the potential of baobab fruit products, areas for further research have been highlighted in this review.