Chrysophyllum Albidum is the botanical name for African Star Apple popularly known in Ga-Adangbe dialect as “Alasa”. It has several names in Africa. In Nigeria the Yoruba call it Agbalumo, Udara in the eastern and southern parts of Nigeria and in the northern (Hausa-Fulani) part of Nigeria known as Agbaluma. Some of its name include African Cherry.
African star apple is a delicious and low in calories fruit with a chewing gum-like texture. It has this texture due to the fact that its tree and fruit secretes a whitish sap to the fruit hence the chewing gum-like texture. It comes from the Sapotaceae family and classified under kingdom plantae. It is mostly cultivated in the West African Countries like Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana.
African Star Apple appears small in size and has a complex taste depending on the stage of maturity of the fruit, it can be terribly sour or amazingly sweet. The ripe ones are savoury-sweet and tart in taste. It is usually served in sweet dishes as a dessert or added to a cocktail.
It is mostly recommended for pregnant women due to its health benefits.
Below are some of its benefits.
• RICH IN VITAMIN C.
African Star Apple (Alasa) contains a high vitamin C content. Thus, 100g of the fruit gives about 25mg of vitamin C. This helps protect the body against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease and even wrinkling. It also aids in maintaining the healthiness of the gum, preventing sprue and gum disease.
• GOOD FOR EXPECTING MOTHERS.
African Star Apple has an acidic taste which aids in preventing the urge of vomit during pregnancy. Doctors concern should be seeked on ante-natal diet.
• HELPS WEIGHT LOSS.
This fruit is a natural remedy for weight loss. African Star Apple contains just 67 calories, thus making it a good option for people with weight issues as they get fewer calories intake in the process of consuming it.
REFERENCES:
WIKIPEDIA – GERMPLASM RESOURCES INFORMATION NETWORK (GRIN).
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE (ARS).
ARTICLE BY: ANUM JUSTICE OBODAI.