When I lived in Nigeria, you could always tell when agbalumo was in season. People talked about it all the time be it at school, work, and even after church! Everyone was eager to find the ones with the sweet, not sour, taste and enjoy them before they go out of season and the long wait begins again.
Choosing between sweet and sour agbalumo always felt like a game of chance. My daughter says it’s an art and only those with special skills (like herself) have the magic. For me, I have noticed that the slightly darker ones often lean more toward sweetness, but even that isn’t a foolproof method.
What is Agbalumo?
Agbalumo is a round fruit that is popular in Nigeria. In terms of it’s color it tends to be either orange or reddish-brown. It is actually native to West Africa and it’s English name is the African Star Apple. Scientifically it is called Chrysophyllum albidum but if you visit Nigeria and say the English or Scientific name to the road sellers, chances are you will get a blank stare. But say Agbalumo and you are most 100% guaranteed to be told whether it’s in season or not.
It grows on the African star apple tree.
Both the skin and the insides of the this fruit are edible. When you first open it, you will quickly notice that it kind of resembles the same same segments you find on an orange i.e. the pulp surrounds seeds.
The word “agbalumo” is a Yoruba word. For those who are not familiar, Yoruba is actually one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria.
IBut take a trip to other parts of Nigeria, and the African Star Apple takes on different names. It is called Udara (Igbo), Otien (Edo), Efik Nsobri (Ibibio/Efik), and Ivoko (Tiv).
It also goes by different names in other countries in West Africa. In Ghana, it is called Alasa. In Sierra Leone, it is known as Atiti, and in Cameroon, it is referred to as Abalolo or Mfom.
What Does It Taste Like
It is a known fact that each Agbalumo has a slightly different taste. That’s just the way it is, so while some are sweet and will make you continue to want more, others are sour. I will say, one thing they all have in common though is that they are all sticky.
How is Agbalumo Consumed?
So not only is picking the right agbalumo an art, eating agbalumo is an art in itself. One wrong move and your outfit is in trouble. But on a more serious note, you can eat it as a snack or use it to make juices, smoothies, jams, and sauces. Some people also use it to make traditional sweets and desserts.
To eat it, wash it, then peel off the skin and enjoy the juice. Some people chew the bark/skin until it almost becomes like the chewing you buy in stores. You can eat the part covers the seed but don’t swallow the seed.
Nutritional Benefits
Agbalumo contains vitamin C, calcium, iron, and is a source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants. Since it is low in calories, agbalumo, it is a great snack for those managing their weight.
Cultural and Medicinal Uses
In traditional medicine, various parts of the African star apple tree, including the bark and leaves, are used to treat common ailments such as fever, dysentery, and hypertension.
This makes the fruit and its tree not just a culinary delight but also a significant part of natural health remedies in West Africa.
Can You Grow It at Home, and When Is Its Season?
Yes, it can be grown at home, but mostly in areas with warm weather. The tree requires well-drained soil and a lot of sunlight plus it will take several years to mature and produce fruit. What is great about growing it though is that it is relatively low-maintenance once you have planted it. With that said, don’t get excited thinking that once it is mature you would have agbalumo all year round. That is not the case as it is a seasonal fruit. In Nigeria, farmers would harvest it around December to March.
Does Agbalumo Expire?
Agbalumo has a relatively short shelf life.
At room temperature, the fruit remains fresh for about three to five days. Once it starts to get bad, when you open the fruit, you will notice tiny worms or maggots. It’s always a good idea to open the fruit and look carefully before you start eating.
Refrigerating it can extend its freshness by a few more days, but it is best consumed soon after purchase for optimal taste and nutritional value.
Can You Freeze Agbalumo?
Yes, you can freeze agbalumo to preserve it for longer periods.
Freezing helps maintain its freshness and prevents spoilage, but the texture might slightly change when thawed.
Can You Eat This Fruit on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, agbalumo can be eaten on an empty stomach. However, some people might find its flavor too strong and should consume it in moderation. Personally, I prefer to eat something first and use it more as a snack.
Is Agbalumo a Fruit?
Yes, agbalumo is a fruit. It is the fruit of the African star apple tree.
Does This Fruit Have Calories?
Yes, agbalumo contains calories. It is a low-calorie fruit, with most of its energy coming from natural sugars. On average, 100 grams of agbalumo has about 67 calories.
Does This Fruit Increase Blood Sugar?
Agbalumo has natural sugars that may slightly raise blood sugar levels. However, its high fiber content helps regulate the release of sugar into the bloodstream. The key is moderation.
Are the Seeds of Agbalumo Edible?
No, the seeds are not edible. They are hard and inedible, but they can be used in traditional medicine or crafts in some cultures. Some people break the seeds open and blend the inner contents for consumption but it is not a common practice.
Is It Safe to Eat Agbalumo During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat during pregnancy. However, as with any fruit, it should be consumed in moderation.
In Nigeria, Agbalumo is like the ‘it’ snack for pregnant women. I ate it all the time when I was pregnant. Anytime I felt queasy I would reach for an Agbalumo!
Is It Safe to Eat or Chew the Skin of the African Star Apple?
While the skin or bark of the African star apple are edible, it is tough to chew. Most people prefer to peel and eat only the juicy pulp.
I love this article about Agbalumo or Udara. I enjoy eating it. I crave for it all the time but the limitation I have is thst it is a seasonal fruit. I never – knew its high fiber content helps regulate the release of sugar into the bloodstream – I appreciate your knowledge sharing skills. Thanks again.