The Tree Of Life

Baobab has become a hot superfood, but in its native Africa, the tree has been feeding and healing people for centuries

- Vera Tweed

The baobab tree is an incredibly resilient survivor. Despite its native environment being very hot, dry savannas of Africa, a single tree may live for 500 years or more, and its size dominates the barren landscape. The trunk rises 90 feet or more and has a diameter as large as 60 feet.

Called “the tree of life,” it not only outlives environmental challenges, but also helps support humans in its vicinity. The massive trunk can provide protection, and the leaves, bark, seeds, and fruit have a long tradition of being used as food and medicine.

How It Feeds

Baobab fruit grows in pods and has a tart, sweet taste. The fruit, a white pulp, dries naturally while the pods are still hanging from the tree. Once the pods are picked and broken open, the pulp is taken out and made into a powder that can easily be packaged and transported. Although some powders are sterilized or otherwise processed, the natural, raw powder is also available.