African medlar

Vangueria infausta

fruit

A brown fruit with soft, apple-flavoured flesh, eaten raw; its pulp is dried and kept, and its seeds are roasted.

Origin

Southern and East Africa

Where to find it

In wooded savannas and on rocky hills.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The ripe fruit is peeled and the tender flesh eaten, setting the seeds aside; these are roasted for a few minutes before being eaten.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its Latin name, infausta, comes from a belief: burning its wood would release an evil spirit.