What is safou?

Safou is a tropical fruit which belongs to the trees Dacryodes edulis L. This  is an evergreen, tropical fruit tree which grows in the humid and sub-humid climates of West and Central Africa. It grows to about 20-30 meters  and can grow to be about 100 years old.

Why should you grow the safou tree? - The tree is well known for its fruits (safou), which are rich in protein, fat, fibre, minerals and essential amino acids. The oil, which is extracted from both the pulp and the seed, is rich in palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. The tree is easy to cultivate It can provide a good income from sale of the fruits and their products.

The fruit is harvested when other crops are out of season and provides a staple food for 3-4 months of the year in some areas.

The safou tree is not yet a plantation crop, but is currently grown in small orchards.

If you ever come across the fruit, here is a tasty recipe-

Add the safou to the tomatoes

 

Roast tomatoes with safou

 6 ripe plum tomatoes, halved

3 tablespoons oil

3 clove garlic, peeled an coarsely chopped

salt an pepper

1 tablespoon honey

1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped

6 safou fruit, washed

course sea salt

 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tomatoes in a baking tray an sprinkle with the oil, garlic, salt  and pepper, honey and rosemary. Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Place the safou between the tomatoes and bake for a further 15 minutes, turning the safou halfway. Break open the safou and scoop out the soft flesh. Sprinkle with course salt. Eat with the tomatoes and steaming white rice.

Serves 6 .