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This fruit, locally called Kabba ( saba senegalensis ) is found growing naturally throughout
The Gambia. The plant is a ( liane ) a long woody climbing plant which exudes a sticky, latex type of sap that was formerly exported as low quality rubber. The 10 x 8 cm fruits contain many large seeds in a rich yellow sweet - sour pulp. Very sharp to the taste buds, although the locals suck the seeds without problem ! Superbly refreshing for me .. when mixed with lots of sugar.
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The second fruit, similarly found locally .. new to me in its natural state, but a favourite of troops of scavenging monkeys high up in the large trees on which they grow .. are cola cordifolia,
known as Taba or the Mandinka Kola. The large yellow pods contain contain five or six stones each covered with a layer of sweet, gelatinous, perfumed flesh, which is absolutely gorgeous.
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Having bought a few to try, I shared some with my long time ex-pat friends, who had been living in The Gambia for some time, but also had never seen them before. Sitting in a local hostelry,
we were all sucking the seeds and remarking on their sweetness. Derrick .. who no doubt would wish to remain nameless .. readily agreed with us, whilst chomping merrily through the seeds as well !!
"Er, I think you are only supposed to eat the flesh," I said.
"Oh really ? Well, nobody said anything to me and the seeds taste OK," said he !
So we all gave him plenty of time to start showing signs of being
fatally poisoned .. and when none appeared .. we ate the seeds too !! Very tasty and similar to eating fresh horse chestnuts.
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After talking to Mams, the bar manager,
realisation suddenly dawned. These were no other than Kola Nuts in their natural state, which can be seen in markets everywhere and once dried, have a very bitter taste, which is enjoyed by many locals.
Containing caffeine, they supposedly act as a stimulant, anti-depressant, reduce fatigue and hunger, aid digestion and work as an aphrodisiac.
None of the assembled group ever said whether any of these properties had actually worked !!!
They are especially important if you are going to see the father of your intended bride, to ask permission to marry his daughter. To greatly aid your chances of success, Cola Nuts are the
traditional and acceptable presents to be shared amongst the bride's family in these situations.
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