Our African Star Apples Have More Than Juiciness Offer.

The African star apple fruit is called agbalumo, udara and otien in parts of Nigeria. It is also known as Chrysophyllum albidum botanically. It is a tree that is grown and known in Africa more for its much-loved juicy fruit than for medicinal purpose. 

The fruits come into season from December until April and this is much awaited by a lot of people because of their love for, and enjoyment of, the fruits which are sweet and sour in flavour. The fruits have an orange skin while the skin is dark yellow with five seeds.

Like most fruits and natural foods, the African star apple has nutrients and properties to offer for the body and health. Below are some of the nutrients and properties:

• Vitamins; has a high content of vitamins A and C.
• Minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and iron.
• High fiber content.
• Low in calories.
• Low in carbohydrates.
• Low in proteins.
• High in antioxidants like flavonoids and terpenoids.
• Has astringent properties with tannins present.
• Has antimicrobial properties.
• High in resins.

Some of the uses for health are:

1. To treat infections because of the antimicrobial properties.
2. The fruits can be used to treat diarrhea and because of the astringent properties.
3. They can protect against chronic diseases because of the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. The bark is made into decoctions to treat malaria and typhoid fevers.
5. The seed cotyledons are powdered and used against skin issues.
6. The leaves decoctions are used to treat high blood pressure in South-West Nigeria.
7. The cotyledons are also reported to be able to lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.

The fruit flesh is chewed like gum while the seeds can be used for jewelry and decoration. African star apples rarely grow out of season so you can only enjoy these delicious fruits when in season.

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