Forests and homestead farms are important sources of non-timber products. These include indigenous fruits, which are consumed by communities and also sold on rural roadsides and in urban markets to generate income. These fruits are essential for the food security, health and social and economic welfare of rural communities (FAO, 1989; Maghembe et al ., 1998; Dietz, 1999). For example, the shea butter nut ( Vitellaria paradoxa ), found in the dry savannah, forests and parklands of the Sudano-Sahelian regions, is used by communities as a culinary fat or oil, a soap, an ointment and in cosmetics (Boffa et al .,1996). The fat is used in pastry and in confectionery as a cocoa butter substitute and as a base in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The flavoured pulp of Theobroma grandifolia in Brazil is used in juices, ice cream, liquor, wine-making and jellies (Velho et al ., 1990). The fruit of T. grandifolia is rich in vitamin C (28.3 mg/100 g) and iron (1.53 mg/100 g) and its seed oil contains more linoleic acid (83% of the lipids) than cocoa. .
Publication year
2008
Authors
Saka J D K; Kadzere, I.; Ndabikunze B K; Akinnifesi, F.K.; Tisekwa B P M
Language
English
Keywords
ecosystems, fruits, indigenous varieties, product development
Geographic
Malawi
