Entrepreneurs turn baobab fruit into drinks

BULAWAYO entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the abundance of baobab trees in the surrounding region, to value-add to the fruit and produce an assortment of baobab drinks.

Several traders told Business Chronicle that there is a ready market for the various drinks produced from baobab.

Beneficiation of baobab is fast gaining traction among small-scale entrepreneurs who seek to integrate indigenous fruits in the production of various foods and beverages, for domestic and export markets.

Also known by its scientific name “Adansonia digitata” baobab fruit is rich in ascorbic acid, Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

The kernels of the fruit are said to be a good source of energy, protein, fat, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Baobab fruit was declared a superfood in 2015 and hundreds of baobab pulp tonnes have been exported to America and Europe.

In an interview, Ms Norma Dhlamini said she started preparing Baobab juice in February this year.

“Baobab juice does not take a lot of time to prepare. It needs a clean environment. The juice I prepare is fast moving, especially when prepared well, many people enjoy it,” noted Ms Dhlamini.

She added that her target is to go commercial and penetrate the market and supply shops countrywide.

“I have benefitted in that I now have surplus cash, I can sustain some of my needs through selling baobab juice.”

Another trader from Emganwini, Mr Xolile Ndlovu, said he recently started the business.

“The powder makes a tangy and extremely healthy crush, which I use to produce various products containing citrus fruit, which are rich in vitamins, calcium and magnesium. As vendors, we continue to appeal for more assistance to grow bigger and export, to show that Zimbabwe can produce quality products using available natural resources.

“My vision is to grow big, to the extent of being able to export throughout the whole world.”

Baobab trees are common in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, particularly in Hwange and Beitbridge districts.

They are also common in the southern parts of the Midlands and Masvingo provinces.

In severe drought, the baobab trunk shrinks and then enlarges again when the rains fall and the water is replaced in the huge trunk. — -chronicle.cl.zw