EcoProducts, processors of the super Baobab fruit achieves FSSC 22000 V4.1 Food Safety certification
EcoProducts, owned by Dr Sarah Venter and based in the heart of Limpopo Province was established in 2006 and is specialized in the production of organic baobab powder and oil for the food and cosmetics industry. It sources its baobab fruit directly from harvester at village level and their track and trace system follows the movement of each fruit from harvester to packed product. The EcoProducts processing facility achieved FSSC 22000 certification in 2017 and has achieved FSSC 22000 Version 4.1 certification in August 2018.
With its swollen, bottle-shaped trunk and root-like branches the baobab tree is an icon of the African savannah. Baobab fruit powder is taking the super food world by storm and South Africa has its very own source.
What is Baobab?
Baobab fruit is Africa’s true superfruit! Baobab powder contains high levels of Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibers. These minerals all exist in a naturally balanced relationship within the fruit. Our diets require these minerals to boost our health and vitality, thus making baobab powder an excellent source.
The baobab fruit is one of the few fruits to dry out completely while still on the tree. The pods are only harvested when they fall to the ground and they only fall when they are completely dried out. This means that the powder requires minimal handling and processing so it retains all its nutritional qualities. The powder is separated from the seeds (which are pressed to get Baobab oil) and then sieve it to give it the wonderfully fine, silky textured powder which mixes easily into foods and drinks that EcoProducts has become known for.
Nutritional profile
Baobab powder has a robust nutritional profile. Its main nutrients include vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fibres, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Baobab contains one of the highest vitamin C levels of most other comparative fruits including kiwi, strawberry and orange. The powder as an ORAC value of up to 599 umol which is significantly higher than goji berries. Baobab powder is particularly rich in fibre. By weight it has up to 50% dietary fibre of which 75% is soluble fibre which is an important prebiotic. Baobab has four times more calcium than milk and almost twice as much as almonds, making it one of the richest plant-based sources of calcium known. Baobab has almost twice the amount of magnesium than dark leafy greens and six times more potassium than bananas.
Potential as an ingredient
Baobab powder used in product formulation provides nutritional fortification, flavour enhancement, texture modification and as a source of nutrients and dietary fibres. Baobab powder is ideal as an ingredient for smoothies, health shakes, rehydration drinks and fruit bars. Manufacturers across the globe are adding baobab powder to yoghurt, ice-cream, chocolate and speciality teas. It has been found that the optimum level for smoothie drinks is 6-8% by weight and 5-10% for fruit bars giving good flavour and texture.
Baobab for Beauty: Benefits of Baobab Oil
Quite apart from the health benefits, baobab fruits contain yet another gift: the small dark seeds. These are cold-pressed to release a rich golden-amber oil which provides impressive moisturizing qualities to both skin and hair. Sought after by many major cosmetic houses, Baobab oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, vital for maintaining a healthy glowing skin.
Because it’s plant-based, baobab oil absorbs easily and quickly, improving skin elasticity, encouraging regeneration of cells and does not clog pores. It is a superb moisturiser excellent for treating extremely dry skin conditions, and can also be used to condition dry and brittle hair.
Have a look at Ecoproducts new BaoCare rangeof oils which is now available in all Wellness Warehouses and on-line.
Baobab Foundation: Making a difference
EcoProducts believes in making a positive impact on society and has established the Baobab Foundation that supports the growing of baobab trees and nurtures rural children through their pre-school years. Read more about the Foundation here.
With qualities as remarkable as these, it’s not difficult to see why the Boabab tree is often referred to by locals as the “Tree of life”.
For more information see: www.ecoproducts.co.za
