Marula

What Is Marula?

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) is the yellow-skinned fruit of a tree that grows in southern and eastern Africa. Ripe fruit that falls from the tree is collected; it has white, juicy, sweet-tart flesh.

Both the fruit and seed are important in local cultures: the flesh is eaten fresh or made into drinks, while the oil-rich seed inside the hard kernel is used separately. The fruit is also the source of the famous cream liqueur Amarula.

Marula Nutrition Facts

Marula flesh is low in calories, with approximately 43 kcal of energy per 100 g; its most notable feature is its very high vitamin C content, and it also provides water and fiber. These are approximate values based on a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Marula?

With its vitamin C, water, and fiber content, marula can be included as part of a balanced diet rich in fruit.

This is general information. Marula is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Marula

Good marula fruit has yellowing skin, feels plump, and smells sweet-tart. Fruit that is very soft and smells alcoholic has started to ferment; choose fruit that is fresh and only slightly soft.

• The skin should be yellowing and the fruit plump.
• The aroma should be sweet-tart.
• Do not choose fruit with an alcoholic smell (fermented).

How to Store Marula

Because ripe marula tends to ferment quickly, store it in the refrigerator and eat or process it soon. Its shelf life can be extended by making juice or jam.

Using Marula in the Kitchen

Marula is eaten fresh and is also used to make juice, jam, jelly, and liqueur. In some regions, the oil-rich seed extracted from its hard kernel is eaten as a snack or used in cooking.

What Are Marula Seeds Used For?

The seed inside the hard kernel is rich in oil and protein; it can be eaten, and marula oil can also be extracted by pressing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does marula taste like?

It has a sweet-tart, mildly tropical flavor; as it ripens, it becomes sweeter and its aroma intensifies.

Are Amarula and marula the same thing?

Amarula is a cream liqueur made from marula fruit; marula is the fruit itself.

Why is marula considered a source of vitamin C?

The flesh contains noticeably more vitamin C than many common fruits; for this reason, it is an important source of vitamin C in the regions where it grows.