Tag: African cherry

According to one study, the African star apple variant of African cherry contains a higher concentration of vitamin C than both oranges and guavas, making it a powerful antioxidant source. This demonstrates that while relatively unknown globally, the African cherry offers a wealth of potential health advantages for the body.

The *Prunus africana* tree, an African cousin of plums and cherries, produces fruit that is a food source for mountain gorillas and other wildlife. The question of whether *Prunus africana* is edible for humans has a more nuanced answer, depending on which part of the plant is in question.

While the African cherry, known locally as agbalumo or udara, is a popular fruit praised for its nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C content, its seeds contain a naturally occurring substance that can be harmful. Swallowing African cherry seeds is not recommended, especially if they are crushed, as they can release a toxic compound.

In a 2023 study published on ResearchGate, the nutritional composition of African star apple seeds was analyzed, revealing significant levels of protein, minerals, and beneficial fats. This research highlights the often-overlooked health benefits of African cherry seeds, a traditional African remedy.