Chrysophyllum albidum commonly called (African Star Apple,Agbalumo,Udara). 6 Distinctive benefits

We already in that time of the year when we enjoy this wonderful gift of nature the African star apple botanically known as Chrysophyllum albidum . This is one of my favorite fruits but have been consuming without even knowing its benefits. As a kid we used it's seeds for our mathematics lessons, it helped us to learn basic topics like addition, subtraction etc.

It is important to note that there is a growing concern for everyone to start acknowledging and utilizing most underutilized plants around us. The point still remains that these plants are potential sources of foods, medicines and basic support to both humans, animals and our environments. One of such powerful group is Chrysophyllum.

There are over 86 species of Chrysophyllum for example, Chrysophyllum albidum, Chrysophyllum cainito, Chrysophyllum oliviforme, Chrysophyllum roxburghii, Chrysophyllum imperiale, Chrysophyllum viridifolium, Chrysophyllum eximium, Chrysophyllum contumacense, Chrysophyllum delphinense, Chrysophyllum durifructum, Chrysophyllum fenerivense, Chrysophyllum novoguineense, Chrysophyllum ogowense, Chrysophyllum marginatum, Chrysophyllum mexicanum, Chrysophyllum masoalense, Chrysophyllum muerense, Chrysophyllum cuneifolium, Chrysophyllum euryphyllum, Chrysophyllum acreanum, Chrysophyllum africanum, Chrysophyllum akusae ~ to list but a few.

For the purpose of this post i will concentrate on Chrysophyllum albidum. Chrysophyllum albidum is known as udala or udara by Igbo people, udara by Efik/Ibibio agbaluba by Hausa people, eha by Ebira, agbalumo, agwaluma or osan by Yoruba, Utieagadava by Urhobo people and ehya by the Igala people. Some part of Sierra Leone also refer to the fruit as bobi wata or breast milk fruit.

It is primarily a forest tree species and its natural occurrences have been reported in diverse ecozones in Nigeria, Uganda, Niger Republic, Cameroon Cote d’lvoire and Sierra Leone . The plant often grows to a height of 36.5 m though it may be smaller. The African star apple fruit is a large berry containing 4-5 flattened seeds or sometimes fewer due to seed abortion .

Agbalumo/Udara as its popularly known in Nigeria has this sweet sour taste with this milky juice coming out when squeezed or sucked before consuming its flesh. It also has a chew able edible skin that is usually orange in color.

In the eastern part of Nigeria, mainly dominated by the Igbos, this fruit is divided into two categories;

• Nwannu
• Nwose

Nwannu is the very sweet agbalumo (African Star apple) with red inner flesh it usually has no green colouration around it's stalk.

Nwose is the unripe agbalumo(African Star apple) It has a sweet and sour taste which could almost be unbearable for some sweet fruit lovers . It is green around the stalk.
However, both categories are loved by different taste buds
For example, some pregnant women would prefer the nwose because of it's sour taste as it helps overcome the metallic taste in their mouth. During pregnancy women go through different body reactions. They vomit often during times of pregnancy some consume a lot of Nwose to enable them stop vomiting because of its sour taste. Sometimes it's just a case of preference.
Interestingly, even ice cream can be made out of this lovely fruit with distinct flavor.

Chrysophyllum albidum are not usually plucked from the trees but rather allowed to drop on the ground when ripe before gathering. Chrysophyllum fruits are seasonal fruits that usually available between December to April annually in the local Nigerian market. Let's examine some benefits of Chrysophyllum albidum

Benefits of Chrysophyllum albidum

1. High Vitamin C Content.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make ascorbic acid and must obtain vitamin C from their diet. Agbalumo presents a good source for vitamin C.

2. Weight Management
Chrysophyllum fruit is an excellent source of dietary fibre. As a result, consuming this fruit helps to increase satiety thus reducing food cravings and maintaining a balanced weight. It's a Low Calorie fruit, agbalumo contains just 67 calories. This makes this fruit very good for those who want to loose weight because you consume more and get less calories intake. It is also a good snacking fruit which can be used to stop hunger pangs.

3. Beverage Production
Chrysophyllum fruit pulp is normally used in the beverage industry for manufacturing beverages, spirits, soft drinks, wine, juice, jams and smoothies.

4. Aids Easy Food Digestion
The high dietary fiber content of the star apple fruit helps in food digestion thereby preventing constipation and bloating.

5. Natural Anti-Oxidant
Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. What this means is that by consumption of agbalumo you give your body a better chance of fighting and avoiding heart disease, cancer etc.

6. It Prevents Heart Disease.
Frequent consumption of the fruit can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol thereby preventing or managing heart diseases. it is a very good recommendation for patients with heart problems. Also making it good for diabetic patient.

It is safe to say that the African star apple market is booming because I went to see things for myself today. I went to the local market and bought some Udara as we fondly call it in my local dialect.

I shared some of it with my friends their reaction after taking the fruit will tell you that the African Star apple is indeed a wonderful gift of nature.

A toast to the African Star apple
*Chrysophyllum albidum. Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: This is not just for educational purposes. When consuming please do it with moderation. Do not consume excessively. Also obtain the advise of your physician before adding it to your diet.

Image source 2,4,7
Other images were taken by me
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