Must try African star apple recipes

The African Star Apple, also known as Agbalumo or Udara in Nigeria, is a tropical fruit native to West Africa. It is a popular fruit in many African countries and is known for its sweet and tangy taste.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the African Star Apple, including its nutritional value, health benefits, and culinary uses.

Botanical Description and Origin

The African Star Apple is a fruit from the Sapotaceae family, which also includes other popular fruits such as the mango and the sapodilla. The golden leaf tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a dense canopy of leaves.

The milk fruit is round or oblong and has a rough, leathery skin. The star apple skin can be green, yellow, or purple skin in colour and is usually covered in small bumps.

The ripe fruits are usually about the size of a baseball and weigh around 8-10 oz. Inside, the fruit has a white, translucent flesh and the star apple taste is juicy and sweet. It contains a large, inedible seed in the centre that is surrounded by the flesh.

The African Star Apple is native to West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo. It is also found in other parts of Africa such as Angola, Cameroun, and Congo. The star apple fruit is also grown in some parts of Central America, Latin America and Asia.

Nutritional Value

The African Star Apple is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in Vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

One medium-sized African Star Apple can provide up to 21% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. The fruit also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

The fruit is also low in calories, with a medium-sized African Star Apple containing only 66 calories. It is also a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion.

Health Benefits

The high levels of Vitamin C in African Star Apple make it an excellent fruit for boosting the immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the body against harmful free radicals, which can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases such as cancer.

The fruit is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The fruit is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution.

The African Star Apple is also a good fruit for maintaining healthy digestion. The high fibre content in the fruit can help to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. The fruit also contains pectin, which is a type of soluble fibre that can help to lower cholesterol levels.

Culinary Uses

The African Star Apple can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of dishes. The fruit is often eaten as a snack or dessert, and its sweet and tangy taste makes it a popular fruit for making juice and smoothies. The fruit can also be used in baking, and it is a popular ingredient in cakes, pies, and tarts.

In Nigeria, the fruit is used to make a popular dessert called 'Agbalumo pudding' which is made with fruit, sugar, and milk. The fruit is also used to make a popular Nigerian drink called 'Zobo' which is made with the dried leaves of the roselle plant, sugar, and water.

The leaves of the African Star Apple tree are also edible and are often used in traditional African medicine. The leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.

Uses of African Star Apple:

African Star Apple can be eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, or used in cooking. The fruit can be used to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. The leaves of the tree are also edible and can be used to flavour dishes.

1. African Star Apple Juice

Ingredients:

• 4 African Star Apples
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of honey (optional)

Instructions:

Peel and core the African Star Apples. Cut the star apples into small pieces and place them in a blender. Add the water and honey (if using) to the blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp. Serve the juice chilled.

2. African Star Apple and Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 African Star Apples, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the African Star Apples and chicken to the pot. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the apples are tender. Serve the stew with some rice or bread.

3. African Star Apple and Avocado Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 African Star Apples, peeled and diced
• 2 avocados, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup of diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the African Star Apples, avocados, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss to coat. Serve the salad chilled.

Where can Star Apples be Bought?

African star apple, also known as agbalumo or udara, is typically found in West Africa and can be purchased at local markets or speciality grocery stores that carry African or tropical fruits. Some online retailers also sell African star apples. It can also be found in some African stores or some ethnic stores in other countries.

If you’re in the UK, Niyis stores are African stores near you. Head to our online website or our physical store in Reading, UK, for your own African Star Apples, and other grocery items.

So next time you come across this tropical fruit, be sure to give these recipes a try and enjoy the unique and delicious taste of African Star Apple.