General Info – Safou, Ube, African Pear, Butterfruit, Elumi
An opportunity to cultivate a rare specimen of the African tropics, the Safou allows growers to savour a regional flavour of many still largely obscure African cuisines. Safou produces unique and interesting fruits that are common in West and Central African markets, and they are also popular as roasted street food. The small, oval fruits are similar in size and shape to a Bilimbi or Banana Passionfruit, with an attractive violet to light pink skin. Underneath the thin skin is a green-grey pulp and a large kernel. Safou is highly nutritious, rich in fats, protein, and vitamins, and is also noted for having a slight sedative effect. Fruits have a savoury, sub-acid flavour, likened to a mixture of Olive and Avocado with a hint of Lemon tang. Fruits are cooked by either blanching or roasting, developing a soft, buttery texture and a slight sweetness when roasted. Safou are often eaten with staples like Cassava, Potato, and Yam, but they also make a healthy snack on their own, especially delicious by seasoning with simply with salt or any seasoning blend. Safou are native to the tropical forests of Central and West Africa, thriving in a wide range of conditions, from rainforest climates to seasonal savannah climates. Growing in various conditions, tolerating swampy, infertile, and acidic soils, they prefer slightly acidic soil. Naturally germinating under a protective canopy, Safou are tolerant of shade, especially when young, and are adaptable to both partial shade and full sun once mature. Plentiful rainfall and humid conditions are ideal, but Safou can also tolerate a dry season, which can stimulate flowering. Safou are generally dioecious, but occasionally a plant may bear some flowers of the opposite sex, allowing for self-pollination. Safou form medium to large trees, typically ranging from 10 to 20 metres in height, but occasionally soaring to 40 metres. They develop a tall, rounded, dense crown while maintaining a short trunk. The dense canopy provides ample shade, making it ideal for growing crops such as Coffee underneath their protective canopy. A unique but rewarding choice for a tropical climate, the Safou is well worth trying for those interested in nutritious, flavourful savoury fruits.
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