African Star Apple: Sheer delight amongst northerners

In Nigeria, the tropical seasonal fruit ‘African star apple’ is traded and consumed nationwide, especially in the northern part of the country, despite not being produced in the region. Commonly grown in the South West, it’s known as ‘Agbalumo’ among the Yorubas, ‘Udara’ to the Igbos, and ‘Agwaluma’ among the Hausas. This fruit is cherished […]

In Nigeria, the tropical seasonal fruit ‘African star apple’ is traded and consumed nationwide, especially in the northern part of the country, despite not being produced in the region.

Commonly grown in the South West, it’s known as ‘Agbalumo’ among the Yorubas, ‘Udara’ to the Igbos, and ‘Agwaluma’ among the Hausas. This fruit is cherished for its sweet-sour taste. Every year, the trend in Kano is that traders from rural areas temporarily relocate to the city centre, staying in modest accommodations, just to trade in the much sought after fruit, hoping to make good profits from December to March which is the Agwaluma season in the North.

However, despite the fruit’s popularity, this year, rising transportation costs and market instability have made it difficult for sellers to earn a decent income, though the price of the fruit has gone up. Some lamented that their sacrifice might go in vain as they find it difficult to make profit from their sales.

Isah Yusuf is a Fulani man and a trader from Ajingi Local Government Area of Kano State. He is one of the many sellers who travels to urban areas to sell the fruit. He relies on the seasonal trade to support his family yearly.

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“We come to Kano from Ajingi every year to sell Agwaluma, cashews and later mangoes; we deal in seasonal fruits. In most cases business is usually good, especially during Agwaluma and mango time because children love the tastes. Adults buy the Agwaluma, believing it has health benefits although we are not entirely sure what those health benefits are,” he says.  

It was reliably gathered that many Nigerians believe the African star apple has medicinal properties. Some say its white sap helps prevent diseases, while others simply enjoy its unique taste and the chewy fibre-like flesh which one could chew like gum for several hours.

The seed? Well, that’s another experience on its own as consumers patiently put seeds in their mouth one at a time to remove the fibre-like flesh which are usually four or more in number in each fruit.

At this time of the year, markets, roadside hawkers and makeshift stalls are filled with the vibrant sight of African star apples. Buyers eagerly select from baskets of the freshly harvested fruit transported to Kano, and street hawkers carry it about in trays or set their trays by the roadside calling out to passersby. 

Salma Sani, a buyer, says “I love the taste and gummy nature. I once craved it so much during pregnancy but couldn’t say why. However, I always like the taste it leaves in my mouth,” she said.

Abubakar Muhammad says, “Many people believe that the white, gummy sap from the fruit protects against disease, but women and children seem to enjoy it the most.”

Although scientific evidence on its health benefits is limited, the fruit remains an important part of local snacks nationwide. According to a Kano-based nutritionist Malam Basheer Bage, star fruit contains vitamins and minerals that help in boosting the body immunity adding that the ascorbic acid and other acids are very vital to babies. Perhaps the reason why the fruit is being consumed more by pregnant women.

The African star apple is mostly grown in southern Nigeria, but its value chain extends to markets like the famous Yankaba vegetable Market in Kano. Although it is transported to this market in large quantities, in previous years, traders could rely on steady supply from other places. Unfortunately, this year’s season came with a little hurdle as the fruit seem to be expensive. 

A dealer at the Yankaba Market, Alhaji Salisu Maizide explains the situation: “Transport costs have skyrocketed, making things difficult for us. We rely on seasonal fruit sales for our livelihood, but the high costs of moving perishable goods, especially this one which is brought all the way from Lagos, are taking a toll.”

The increase in fuel prices and transportation cost has led to a surge in market prices. Vendors who once sold a small measure for a few hundred nairas are now forced to charge thousands. 

A female seller Sadiya Yar Sheka expresses her frustration, “A small measure now sells for N2,000 to N3,000 as against N500 or N700 last year. This business sustains us during the season, but the prices keep climbing.”

For many traders, this season has been one of the toughest in years. “At one point, a basket sold for above N50, 000. This is something we have never seen before,” says Isah Yusuf. 

“A single fruit that used to cost N20 to N30 is now N250 to N300. It’s getting tougher every year, but we keep coming back to see how we can sell the fruits. We just hope transport costs will improve soon.”

Despite the challenges, the demand for African star apples remains strong. Buyers continue to flock to the markets, though many complain about the rising prices. Traders, on the other hand, are uncertain about their future. 

With each passing season, the cost of doing business increases. Unless transportation costs stabilize, this cherished seasonal fruit may become too expensive for many Nigerians. 

For now, sellers and buyers alike can only hope for better conditions before the season ends.