African cherry, also called African star apple, is one
of the tasteful tropical fruits common in Africa. It
belongs to the Sapotaceae family, and its scientitic
name is Chrysophyllum album or Chrysophyllum atricanum. It
is locally known as agbalumo and udara among the Yorubas
and the lgbos of Nigeria respectively. It flourishes in lowland
rain forest zones, and it can be found in large quantities in
the South-Western and South-Eastern parts of Nigeria.
When it is fully ripe, it drops on its own, though it can be
harvested before it is fully ripe if there is need to preserve it for a long time.
African cherry is highly valued for its milky juice and
reddish inner flesh. Also edible is the tasty flesh that covers
the seeds inside it. To enjoy the fruit, simply pick it; apply
slight pressure on it by pressing it with one hand or both
hands, depending on the size; and lick up the milky juice that emerges until it is no more succulent. Then, proceed to open it
fully so you can have access to the flesh-covered seed ond
the juicy inner flesh. Its chewable flesh can also be eaten as
snacks.
African cherry is not only valuable for its edible qualities,
but also for its health benefits. A study by researchers at the
Forest Research Institute, lbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
showed that the fruit leaves exhibit strong antibacterial
activity against common bacteria isolates. The result from the
study suggests that water and methanolic extracts from the
leaves contain active agent(s) that fight off bacteria in the
body.
Another research study at the Department of Siological
Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant
University, Ogun State, Nigeria showed that the African
Cherry can be used in treating various diseases. The bark is
used for the treatment of yellow fever and malaria, while the
leaf is used as an emollient and for the treatment ot skin
eruption, stomach ache and diarrhea. The cotyledons from it's
seed are also Used as ointments in the treatment of
vaginal and dermatological infections in Western Nigeria.
The Same research revealed that the fleshy pulp of the fruit that is especially eaten as snack has higher contents of
ascorbic acid than oranges and guava. The fruit itselt is an
execellent source of vitamins, irons and flavours. hence, it
adds to the balanced diet of an individUal.
African cherry also serves as a good source ot calcium that
offers strength to the human body. The calcium embedded in it
can lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as
cramping and abdominal bloating. African cherry can also
be a home remedy for treating sore throet, toothaches, and constipation