Farmers in Nigeria have asked agri-industries to develop the potential of the white star apple, a variety of African caimito (Chrysophyllum albidum), in the food and drink sector. This fruit which could be used for it's flavour is often wasted during high season.
Producer, Semiu Ijadunola, explains that the fruit is often wasted as “drink producers have not yet seen it’s potential as an ingredient. We often harvest it in large quantities during the high season, but we only sell a small part and most of the harvest rots, which is a great loss for us”.
According to another producer, making juice with the white star apple would create employment opportunities and increase the value of the fruit. He believes it is an unexplored route that the younger generation should develop.
Whilst the white star apple is little known in industry, it is very popular amongst West Africans who enjoy it’s sour flavour and that it can be chewed slowly.