Thumpy Rose Have you ever wondered why popular fruits of Benin are regarded as the treasures of Benin agriculture? In today’s article, we will show you the best and most popular fruits and among some are known to be exotic African fruits. Indeed, Benin is home to a variety of fruits you might be familiar with including bananas, oranges, avocados, kiwifruit and pineapples. You will discover how you can use these fruits to fix yourself a tasty Benin dessert or create African drinks. In addition, we tell about some of the best fruit-based Benin drinks. We hope to learn about Africa through food and become familiar with traditional foods without travelling there. If this interest you, subscribe to be updated monthly. Curious about what is plant base? Peep instagram to see what I eat live😊.
Yovozin- Benin agriculture delight
Yovozin is how the Fon people of Benin call oranges. Oranges are the main sources for citrus extracts in most African drinks. This popular fruit is only second to bananas in production in Benin agriculture. Indeed, the departments of Zou and Collines are known as orange basket of Benin. Currently, Benin produces under 150,000 tons of oranges annually. The harvests happen between March and August, and then September to December; many African drinks with oranges are popular during this time. Benin oranges are often green, juicy and sweet; Does this count as an exotic African fruit? As a result, green oranges have a wild and natural appearance and thus favorites for Benin drinks. Besides local consumption, oranges from Benin agriculture find good market in neighboring Nigeria and Togo. I wonder if these countries know what is plant base and how lucky they are to have many goodies in arms reach.
Oranges are greatly utilized in making most Benin drinks because of their rich nutritional value. This makes it a very valuable in local dessert to facilitate digestion after a heavy meal. In addition to the vitamin C, oranges are good source of calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Moreover, it is one of the exotic African fruits that is full of juice and makes rich African drinks. Locals actually quench their thirst by taking glass of fresh orange juice.
Speaking on Benin African drinks, a cup of porridge in Benin can be quite a treat. Have you ever imagined the possibility of bananas and oranges going together in a dessert or porridge? Bet not. Well, Beninese make caramelized banana porridge and add orange juice in it. Furthermore, the porridge has added cinnamon, lemon juice and brown sugar. The end result is one of finest Benin African drinks served. Seriously, do they know what is plant base? What a gold mine! Anyway, you can’t miss to try this Benin dessert.
Pineapple (Ananas)
Pineapple boasts as one of Benin agriculture product for top Benin drinks. This fruit has great export potential than other fruits in the country. In fact, Benin currently ranks 4th as largest pineapple exporter in Africa. Pineapple production is high in South and Central Benin. As such, Atlantique in the south produces about 83% of the country’s production. In terms of pineapple species, Benin mostly cultivates Cayenne and Sugarloaf. Increasingly, Benin is growing its capacity to convert pineapple into juice and dried pineapple. These Benin African drinks have great potential for export across the continent and beyond. It is therefore easy to understand why pineapples are popular fruits in Benin.
Pineapple dessert
Wonder what would happen if you mix caramelized bananas with pineapple sauce? Well, you end up with one of the most spectacular Benin desserts. The Benin recipe is for this is mixing pineapple juice with brown sugar and then heat it. You then add pealed bananas and caramelize them. Indeed, when wanting to understand what is plant base, look to Benin or most African countries. This Benin dessert will be delightful to anyone with a sweet tooth. Count me in!
Health Benefits of Pineapple
The high popularity of pineapple fruit in Benin relates to its health benefits. Generally, pineapple is a good source of manganese and bromelain. As such, the fruit is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial in nature. Furthermore, it facilitates digestion and fights against intestinal pinworms. Most people prefer having pineapple juice with buttered Liberian bread. It’s quite a treat, try it today even if you don’t know what is plant base lifestyle.
Amanga
The mango tree originates from East Asia and was actually introduced in Africa in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Densely leafy, it can be found around village squares and often even in towns. In Benin, it is used to shelter from the sun; practical usage is common in Benin agriculture.
Mango is one of Benin fruits, which is rich in in vitamins and minerals. Blended mangoes make fine Benin African drinks that are popular with most Beninese. Consumed when ripe, it has good health properties due to its high phenolic compounds.
One of popular mango-based Benin dessert is sauce moyo.
In order to make source moyo Benin-style, you blend fresh tomatoes, red onions, lime juice and chile. Traditionally, fresh tomatoes provide the mild sweetness in Benin dessert source moyo. However, mango comes in to add a tasty fruity flavor. As such, Benin agriculture provides right-fit ingredients for yummy desserts and drinks.
Akokoué
Banana is the most consumed fruit in the world because it is easily cultivated all year round in hot and tropical countries. In Benin agriculture, two kinds of bananas are consumed. The first version is the often smaller than the West Indian bananas. The second type is plantain or Aloko banana, which is consumed cooked. Besides, banana is one of the most nutritious fruits since it contains natural sugars. It is also rich in protein, fiber, phosphorus, iron, and minerals. In fact, its juice is as delicious as Zoborodo or Karkade.
Bananas is one product of Benin agriculture that makes awesome Benin desserts. A mixture of fried banana and corn dumplings results in a fine Benin dish. In fact, this Benin dessert has become so popular that it is now exported to neighboring Cameroon. I think they are starting to figure out what is plant base.
Kpin
The Spaniards and the Portuguese brought the papaya to Africa in the 17th century. The papaya can be eaten fresh, or dried. In addition, Its small black caviar seeds are also edible. Indeed, papayas are highly useful fruits in popular Benin African drinks. The papaya is mostly grown in southern Benin. The papaya contains phenolic compounds which, like the mango, have antioxidant capacities. In this view, consuming papaya in greatly helps limit the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, papaya fruit is also rich in sugars, fiber and vitamins, which makes Benin drinks popular.
Pastèque
Watermelon has been one of the most popular fruits in Benin for years. By nature, watermelon is a very fleshy fruit inside, succulent, and watery. It is therefore a perfect fruit to have when dehydrated and hungry. Similarly, it also helps with growth of children. Interestingly, some talk of pineapple’s ability to help men with erectile function. Further, there is the undying debate over whether watermelon in a fruit, vegetable, or both. Can we mark it as an exotic African fruit to end this debate? Feel free to give your thoughts on this in the comment section below.
Tamarin
The tamarind is a fruit native to Asia and Africa. Mainly cultivated in the north of Benin, it has spread to many northern regions and comes from the tamarind tree. This fruit appears in the form of pods with an edible pulp of dark brown colour when ripe and measures about 15 cm long.
It has a sweet and sour taste that goes well with many spicy dishes. Its richness in vitamin A also helps to improve eyesight. All these make the tamarind fruit one of the best fruits in Benin agriculture.
Benin agriculture finest: TCHAM -TCHAM
The TCHAM – TCHAM (in Fon language) also called Soursop, comes from an evergreen tree mainly concentrated in the South and Center of Benin. This exotic tree can reach 7 to 10 meters in height. Moreover, its fragrant, oblong leaves measuring 10 to 15 cm long, resemble those of the laurel. At the convenient time, yellowish flowers appear to give the famous fruit: the Soursop.
Approximately 10 to 20 cm long, the TCHAM-TCHAM has a spiny envelope inside containing a delicious white pulp. There are also black seeds that are thrown away. It has a sweet and sour taste that reminds a little of lychee.
It is a well-known fact that it has been attributed for a long time medicinal virtues, to support sleep and to fight against parasitic diseases. Therefore, there are plenty of good reasons to try these Benin African drinks.
Pamplemousse
The grapefruit, a citrus fruit, is also popular Benin drinks. Its pulpy flesh has a unique bitter flavor. As such, we like to savor it in juice. In so doing it serves as a Benin dessert or appetizer. Alternatively, you can improve the taste of grape fruit with a little sugar. While low on natural sugar content, grapefruit has high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Boost your health today with these Benin drinks.
Assro
In Benin agriculture, the Assro is a major tree of Benin from the southern part. They are commonly known as the wild apple trees or the “African mango trees”; it counts as an exotic African fruit. Coincidentally, the names of its fruits differ according to the languages in Benin. For instance, Assro in Fongbé, Atto in Adja, and Oro in Yoruba. Assro is often blended to make healthy Benin African drinks.
The fruits of the wild apple tree are yellow drupes, resembling small mangoes. Their flesh is consistent and fibrous. It also contains a nut inside which are edible almonds. In this regard, they are used in the recipes of some very famous dishes in Benin dessert.
This article has walked you through some of the popular fruits in Benin agriculture, exotic African fruits and African drinks that can be made from said fruit, all in hope of explaining what is plant base. It is evident that Benin agriculture offers a variety of tasty fruits. Make a good choice while taking into account your tastes and preferences. So, did you like this article or would you like to share some of your knowledge about Benin fruits with us? We will be very happy to read your comments. Don’t hesitate to share this article.
