AMARULA

THE AFRICAN LEGEND

The Marula tree, as the source of several fascinating legends has become a sacred and intricate part of ancient African culture. Locals have revered these trees for centuries and refer to them fondly by various names.

Because elephants travel for miles to feast on the wild fruit, locals call it 'The Elephant Tree'. African folklore also refers to it as 'The Marriage Tree'. Apart from making a beautiful natural wedding canopy, it's also said to have aphrodisiac properties and features in tribal fertility rites. The ripening of the Marula fruit in summer coincides with great celebrations in many parts of Southern Africa. In Swaziland, for example, the annual Marula Festival is celebrated at the king's royal residence, sustaining the belief that the Marula fruit is fit for kings and queens.

Like the elephants, the Marula trees are protected under South African law. They are a key part of African heritage and may not be farmed for commerce. The fruit however is sold in a variety of natural products, Amarula of course being one of them.

THE MARULA FRUIT

There is a just one place on earth where the Marula trees grow – across Africa's sub equatorial plains. And there is just one time of year when the female Marula trees bear their exotic fruit - at the height of summer.

The size of small plums but oval in shape,the Marula fruit ripens to a rich yellow, with a tough outer skin surrounding its fibrous, white flesh. Containing four times more vitamin C than the average orange, Marula is a succulent fruit with a citrus tang and a creamy, nutty taste.

Archaeological evidence of Marula fruit can be dated back as far as 10,000 BC with traces of Marula kernels found in the ancient Pomongwe Cave of Zimbabwe. The smooth, light brown seed inside each Marula fruit protects its oil-rich kernels which are an essential source of nutrition and have anti-oxidant as well as moisturizing properties.

THE MAKING OF AMARULA

Once the Marula fruit is perfectly sun-ripened. each one is gently hand-gathered. First, the fruit is de-stoned, its flesh crushed and the pulp fermented. After fermentation the Marula 'wine' is distilled and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years, during which wood spice characters of vanilla and toast are naturally imparted. Thereafter dairy cream is infused to give Amarula its rich, velvety texture. Only then is this little piece of Africa, bottled. Amarula is best served over ice and preferably, with a view.

The Amarula Trust has done a wonderful job safeguarding the African elephant, so that we can keep meeting them under the Marula trees, year after year. Sustainable environmental and educational projects are key to the preservation of their precious heritage. Did you know “One elephant is lost every 15 minutes to poaching? Help us to spread the word about the plight of our elephants.” - DRA. Paula Kahumbu CEO da WildlifeDirect

Visit https://amarula.com/#!/trust to learn more about this worthy cause.

Amarula Chocolate Mousse - Try this delicious recipe today!