Eembe

I keep a bowl of these on my desk, it is eembe, the fruit of the Bird Plum tree, scientific name Berchermia Discolourand.

It is one of the main wild fruits that grow in northern Namibia, and is often used as sweets for youngsters.

You chew the pith off the fruit from around the central stone and they are delicious (tastes a bit like dates) and nutritious; 30% sugar and lots of vitamin C (65mg/100mg)

For adults, it can be added to water and fermented to make Ombike, a potent traditional Oshiwambo brew.

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to bring any into the UK, but I’ll try.