Baobab Powder Benefits: “Tree of Life” Superfood Supports Gut Health and Immunity

When I first saw pictures of the baobab tree, I thought I was looking at something from another planet. Standing up to 60 feet tall with wide, bottle-shaped trunks and branches that look like roots reaching toward the sky, the baobab has a striking, otherworldly presence.

Native to Africa, Madagascar, India, and Australia, the baobab has earned the nickname “Tree of Life” for good reason. Not only can it thrive in extreme climates, but its fruit is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on earth.

What Is Baobab Powder?

Baobab fruit naturally dries on the branch and is ground into a fine powder, making it easy to add to smoothies, baked goods, and wellness recipes. Years ago, when I first searched for baobab in the U.S., options were limited. Today, it’s much easier to find—one of my go-to favorites is Baobest’s Organic Baobab Powder (or iHerb), which I used to create recipes in my Age Beautifully Cookbook. My Baobab Butter Bars have become a crowd favorite at parties and events!

Top Health Benefits of Baobab Powder

Scientific research supports what traditional cultures have known for centuries: baobab is a powerful wellness booster. Here are some of its standout benefits:

• Gut Health & Digestion – Baobab is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps balance digestion and nouris

  

• h a healthy gut microbiome.

• Immune Support – With more vitamin C than many citrus fruits, baobab strengthens the immune system and supports collagen production for skin health.

• Blood Sugar Balance – Studies suggest baobab powder can help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, supporting steady energy levels.

• Antioxidant Protection – Rich in polyphenols, baobab helps the body fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

How to Use Baobab Powder

Baobab has a naturally tangy, citrus-like flavor, which makes it versatile in both sweet and savory recipes. Try blending it into smoothies, sprinkling it over yogurt, stirring it into oatmeal, or using it in homemade energy bars.

The Bottom Line

Baobab truly lives up to its name as the “Tree of Life.” With its powerful combination of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, it’s a simple, natural way to support gut health, immunity, and overall wellness—while adding a refreshing twist to your everyday recipes.

Baobab powder is highly versatile, mixing easily into any number of foods and beverages. It has a mildly tart taste that lends itself to boosting the nutritional value of fruit smoothies, yogurt, salsas, juices, soups, even pancakes, muffins and desserts. Try my recipe for Baobab Butter Squares (below), which are a twist on traditional lemon squares, but have the added bonus of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins from the baobab fruit.  I also created a recipe for Baby Back Ribs with Baobab Sauce, which I love to cook on the grill in the summer.

With ten times the antioxidant power of blueberries, pomegranate, goji berries and açai and gram for gram more calcium than milk, baobab is a super food whose time has come.

BAOBAB BUTTER SQUARES

Ingredients for crust:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour mix
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

Ingredients for filling

2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
4 Tbsp. baobab powder
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. lemon zest

Garnish

2-4 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Procedure

1.   Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
   2.   In a stand mixer, combine the crust ingredients and mix on low speed until well blended.
   3.   Spread crust into the bottom of an 8-in. square baking pan. Press the crust down evenly in the
   center with your fingers, but the let the crust at the edges rise up along the sides of the pan just a bit, almost like a tart shell.
   4.   Bake crust for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. It won’t be completely cooked yet.
   5.   Prepare filling by pouring all filling ingredients into a large glass mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk to blend well, but don’t whip or overbeat the filling.
   6.   Pour the filling over the partially baked crust. Return to oven for another 20 minutes or until the filling is set. When you shake the pan, the filling should jiggle and hold, not run like water.
   7.   Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes.
   8.   Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

Yields 12 regular squares or 9 large squares.