Baobab Juice (Bouye)

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Baobab Juice is a sweet, citrusy and creamy Gambian beverage made from the baobab fruit pulp powder. The juice is made with Baobab fruit powder, evaporated milk, water, honey and spices. It is a refreshing drink that helps people cool down in the hot Gambian climate. Baobab is nutritious and rich in Vitamin C, Potassium and fibre.

Baobab Juice is called "Bouye" in The Gambia. It is one of the most popular local beverages, it is sold everywhere from school canteens to the local street markets. Baobab has become known as a superfood in Europe and America. However, before it became popular here it had always been used in The Gambia as a staple local beverage.

I have made Baobab Juice countless times, it is a fail-proof recipe and easy to make. You can buy the Baobab powder from Holland and Barrets in the UK, or Amazon if you are in America. I use the brands Minvita and Aduna which I both love.

This pairs well with Fish Yassa (Yassa poisson), Sauce Yassa and African Chicken peanut stew (Maafe)

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Storage
FAQ
Pairing
Recipe

Ingredients

Baobab Fruit Powder: This is the most important ingredient for the recipe, I used an organic powder. It creates a sweet and citrusy juice.
Evaporated Milk: It helps intensify the creaminess, we do not use fresh milk in the original recipe so I will recommend Evaporated milk.
Honey: I prefer using honey when making a small batch because I love the floral caramel taste. However, if you are making a big batch and honey is too expensive for you then use sugar.
Water: This is used as the base recipe.
Nutmeg: We love nutmeg and it helps create an earthy flavour, in The Gambia nutmeg is everywhere and used in most local beverages and desserts.
Vanilla bean paste: This brings it all together. If you do not have vanilla bean paste you can use vanilla extract.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Add the Baobab powder in a large mixing bowl.

Nutmeg, Crystal salt and vanilla bean extract are added to the Baobab powder.

Step 2: Add the nutmeg, vanilla bean paste and crystal salt to the powder.

3. Step 3: Now add the water.

5. Step 5: Lastly, add the evaporated milk and honey, and mix well. Then pour the drink in a jug and refrigerate until cold.

A hand whisk was used to mix the ingredients until smooth.

4. Step 4: Mixed using a hand whisk until well combined and you have a smooth creamy consistency.

Baobab juice in a cocktail glass topped with ice and garnished with mint.

6. Step 6: Serve over ice and enjoy.

Hint: If you have a blender, add all the ingredients and mix, then pour into a jug and refrigerate. It is an easier and quicker way of making it.

Substitutions

Honey - instead of honey you can use Sugar instead, the original recipe uses sugar.
Vegetarian - Substitute the milk and honey to a vegetarian-friendly.

Storage

Store the Baobab juice in a jug or glass bottle and store it in the fridge for a maximum of a week. If left for hours some of the Baobab juice pulp will sink at the bottom and the water on top, that is normal. Mix until combined, before serving over ice.

FAQ

What does Baobab Fruit taste like?

The Baobab fruit is sweet, slightly sour and citrusy. The ripeness of the fruit will determine the level of sweetness of the fruit and taste profile.

What are the benefits of Baobab powder?

It is rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, fibre, potassium, vitamin C, protein, calcium and iron. It is also rich in fibre and helps to keep you full by slowing down the emptying of your stomach.

Pairing

These are my favourite dishes to serve with Baobab Juice:

Recipe