Utilization of Wild Fruit in Mozambique – Drying of Vangueria infausta (African medlar)
Popular Abstract in English In Mozambique, many wild fruit species occur naturally in forest environments. Most of the wild fruits are consumed fresh because of their short shelf-life when ripe. Forests play an important role in rural communities as a source of food and medicinal and social/cultural services and also provide a source of income when fruits are sold at local markets. Some parts of MVangueria infausta (African medlar) is a wild fruit found in southern and central Mozambique. The ripe fruit has a leathery skin enclosing three to five seeds embedded in a soft pulp that tastes like apple. It plays an important role in the diet of the rural population and has the potential for commercial use. The fruit is mostly eaten fresh, and sometimes mixed with porridges, but in some parts
