Safou

Dacryodes edulis · Tropical fruit

40 pairings

Safou (Dacryodes edulis) — also called the African plum, African pear or "bush butter fruit" — is an oblong, blue-black tropical fruit from a tall West and Central African tree of the incense family (Burseraceae). Unusually rich in oil, its buttery pale-green flesh is eaten cooked rather than raw, softening to a soft, avocado-like spread.

Picking a good onedrag

Firm, blue-black, bloom on itSlumped, weeping oil, rancid

First giveThis one is already on its way down, so give it less time in the water. Heat it today, and eat it warm while the fat is soft and spreadable.Cook it today

SkinBloom rubbed off by handling, the colour beneath still even

PressThe first give under a thumb, and it springs back

SmellAlmost nothing at all, a waxy note if you work at it

What to look for, from firm, blue-black, bloom on it to slumped, weeping oil, rancid.

Preparing