CHARACTERIZATION OF DESERT DATE (Balanites aegyptiaca)

Fig 1.4. Map showing the distribution of Balanites aegyptiaca and associated species in
Indian sub-continent (according to Sands, 2001).
The uses
The fruit, which contains many valuable nutrients, is used in a variety of ways in
different parts of Africa. The mesocarp is sweet and is eaten fresh by some local
populations. More commonly, it is used for preparing beverages, cooked foods, and
medicines (Newinger, 1996; Mohamed et al., 2002). In Ethiopia, where Balanites is known
as kute, the fruit is eaten after it has been boiled and skinned. The kernel may also be eaten,
but only after removing the skin, washing the inner part with ash, cooking it, and mixing it
with salt to make it somewhat more palatable (Guinad and Lemess, 2001). Balanites
kernels contain a high percentage of oil, sometimes known as zachun oil or betu oil, which
is highly familiar and prized in most parts of Africa. Its culinary quality is comparable to
that of good-quality vegetable oil.
Most parts of the B. aegyptiaca tree can be utilized—not only the fruit. In times of
famine, the flowers, leaves, and even the bark are used as food. The seeds and foliage serve
as fodder for livestock, especially in arid areas and during drought periods. The wood is
highly prized for cooking because it burns without smoke. In Chad, it is used in the
construction of houses and to make "slates" for schools, mortars for grinding millet and
corn, and handles for agricultural equipment. Twigs are used to clean teeth. The trees
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