1. Date Palms from Zanzibar
Date palms are grown all over Zanzibar and the popularity of this fruit is evident in its availability. In particular, there is a section of Stone Town market where at least a dozen vendors are vying for trade. We always kept dates with us as they are the perfect sweet snack.
Dates are beloved for their dense, sweet, and chewy texture and their exotic sweetness. They come in many varieties and shapes, from small, medium to large-sized fruits.
History: Harvesting fruit from the date palm tree is a protracted process that begins with hand-pollination by agricultural workers. Each palm must be trimmed and carefully monitored. Thus, harvesting can take anywhere from seven to 10 years. Real Simple notes that dates have been eaten for over 6,000 years. According to Food and Nutrition, dates were said to be originally grown throughout Egypt and Mesopotamia in 4,000 BC. Read More: https://www.mashed.com/625902/what-are-dates-and-how-do-you-eat-them/
Modern dates (not grown from ancient seeds) Image: Jordan River Dates
2. Baobab Fruit
African Baobab fruit is a truly remarkable African fruit. Found mainly in African savannas, the tree it comes from has an ancient and iconic appearance – thanks to a magnificent trunk that can reach up 10 meters in circumference!
Part of its iconicity also comes from the fact that it often lives for centuries – making it a symbol of African heritage and longevity. According to African legend, the gods angry at the Baobab’s pride uprooted and flung it upside down – hence its strange appearance today!
This uniquely chalky yet citrusy fruit has a variety of uses. Enjoy it as is, squeeze the juice for added refreshment in your drink, or use its unique flavor to spice up a salad.
The Baobab’s edible fruits are superfruits packed with Vitamin C and other powerful nutrients. Rich in antioxidants, they have multiple health benefits, such as boosting immunity, supporting digestion, and reducing inflammation.
3. Tamarind
African fruits are some of the most unique in the world, and tamarind is a shining example. With its sweet and sour taste, tamarind has been a popular snack for centuries.
Tamarinds can be eaten raw, but the tart flavor can also enhance jams, candies, soups, and sauces. It has also been used medicinally for thousands of years – many cultures believe it can improve eyesight and treat digestive issues.
4. Sugar Canes
5. African Wild Mango
African Wild Mango, also known as the bush mango, is an absolutely amazing fruit that is capable of providing many different benefits.
Hungry? Join us on our next Culinary Trip!
A 10DAY Culinary Experience in Tanzania. This experience is a combination of adventure, nature, wildlife, urban and learning about food, all while indulging in several dishes from different tribes. While passing many of the main sights throughout Tanzania, you get a culinary expedition of the town starting from lunch with several local courses, fresh fruit, dessert and as the grand finale, coffee in the famous Jaw's Corner in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
