That is how the long wait ended o! Month after month, come rain, come sunshine; fans and addicts have waited for the sweet-sour fruit, African Star Apple, locally called Agbalumo or Udara, to come into season. Well, it is here!
Don’t roll your eyes yet, let’s see what people generally think about this fruit;
What People Say
Gistmania
It has been labelled The Original Naija fruit. As for the real name… Have you ever been to a fruit shop and say you want to buy African Star Apple and the trader tells you she doesn’t have even though you’re looking right at it until you say Agbalumo or Udara, does she then understand you?
It can be hilarious as we have not been able to stick to one name. Till date, if you do not want to go by the local names, you can either call it African Cherry, African Star Apple or White Star Apple.
As for taste, the feedback from people is that the fruit is legendary for its milky looking sweet-sour taste and gummy taste. And a plus to it is that it could be converted into a piece of actual chewing gum.
What Nutritionist Say
Kitchen Butterfly
Just like many fruits, Agbalumo has also been noted for many health benefits to list a few;
1. Great source of Calcium
This fruit can give you up to 10% of your required daily calcium intake that would build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
2. High in Vitamin C
Just like the citrus family, this fruit is high in Vitamin C. It can help protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
3. The leaves contain Cotyledon
The leaves are said to contain Cotyledon, which helps in the treatment of virginal treatment. Agbalumo leaf is commonly used for herbal remedies by Nigerians.
4. It is a natural antioxidant
It helps protect our cells against the effects of free radicals which occurs when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.
5. Promotes good health
The fruit can help in reducing weight as its fibre content is high, allowing you to be full and giving no room for the consumption of more calories. It helps in lowering cholesterol, and blood sugar, reducing your chances of heart-related diseases.
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How To Enjoy It
First, you have to wash thoroughly with clean water to clean all the germs that must have come with it, when it fell from the tree or during its transport to the market. Next, you enjoy by either of these ways;
● Open it in the middle with your fingers and get it all done with as you suckle on the fruits.
● Bite the tiny pointy end off and gradually suck the milk out. Yummy. This way, you work your way slowly until you are left with nothing but the seeds.
● Chew the fleshy part until it turns into chewing gum.
● Make into a smoothie(grate and mix with carrots and ginger).
If you haven’t had this Naija pride yet, you better hurry to the market and get yourself some. Your taste buds will never remain the same after a taste.
What exciting way can you eat Agbalumo? Let’s have your ideas.
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