Baobab
The fruit and seeds of the baobab tree yield a rich variety of applications for food, medicine and cosmetics. The pulp has exceptionally high levels of Vitamin C; the seed oil has a particularly long shelf life and traditionally the pulp was used to treat such ailments as gastric, kidney and joint diseases. In recent years interest has resulted in the development of novel food products or its incorporation in existing lines such as cosmetic oils.
In 2006 Phytotrade submitted documentation for regulatory approval for Baobab fruit pulp to be accepted as a new product on the EU market. RTFP has now agreed to finance further work to support the entry of Baobab fruit pulp (as well as for depectinised Baobab pulp and Baobab fibres) into the north American markets (with separate applications for products Generally Recognised as Safe and also as a New Dietary Ingredient). In addition to this, Phytotrade is seeking to establish linkages with potential commercial users and distributors on that continent. (Phytotrade Baobab Project Proposal)
During the first quarter of the project, the GRAS dossier for Baobab pulp was produced (ready for assessment by a panel of experts prior to being submitted to the regulatory authorities). Unfortunately the 2nd dossier in respect of the depectinised pulp as well as the fibres will take longer because the amount of research required is proving greater than anticipated.
Since marketing activities are dependent upon approval of the GRAS dossiers, this element of the project has also been delayed. LINK to the report for the first quarter