What does the kola nut taste like?
What do kola nuts taste like? The fresh kola nut has a bitter, potato-like flavor which increases in sweetness the longer it is chewed. It has a sweet floral aroma that is reminiscent of rose petals. The nut’s texture is solid and takes a firm bite to chew through it.
Is kola-nut a real "nut"?
The kola nut is a caffeine-containing nut of evergreen trees of the genus Cola, primarily of the species Cola acuminata and Cola nitida. Cola acuminata, an evergreen tree about 20 metres in height, has long, ovoid leaves pointed at both the ends with a leathery texture.
Is the kola nut tree grown in the US?
Kola nut trees were first actively cultivated in West Africa. Later, the trees were brought to Brazil and the Caribbean by Africans in the slave trade. Today, the country of Nigeria is growing kola nuts commercially and produces 70% of the world’s kola nuts.
What are the physical characteristics of the kola nut tree?
Results and Discussion
- Axial Dimension. The mean values of the three principal dimensions of kola nut (length, width, and thickness) determined in this study are presented in Table 1.
- Surface Area. The surface area ( S) was calculated by using Eq. ...
- Volume. ...
- Sphericity. ...
- Aspect Ratio. ...
- Kola Nut Mass. ...
- Bulk Density. ...
- True Density. ...
- Porosity. ...
- Angle of Repose. ...
Can you be allergic to kola nuts?
An allergic reaction to kola nuts may include symptoms, such as: hives. upset stomach. breathing difficulties.
Is Coca-Cola made from kola nuts?
These days, the Coca-Cola recipe is a closely guarded secret. But it's said to no longer contain kola nut extract, relying instead on artificial imitations to achieve the flavour. Recipes for making kola soda abound, however, and if you want to taste what a real cola might have been like, you can take a crack at it.
Where does the kola nut come from?
kola nut, caffeine-containing nut of Cola acuminata and Cola nitida, trees of the cocoa family (Sterculiaceae) native to tropical Africa and cultivated extensively in the American tropics. The evergreen tree grows to 18.3 metres (60 feet) and resembles the chestnut.
What family does kola nut belong to?
family SterculiaceaeCola acuminata, is an evergreen tree of the family Malvaceae, native to tropical Africa; while Cola nitida belongs to the family Sterculiaceae. They are native to the rainforests of tropical West Africa and common names are kola nut (both) or bitter kola (Cola nitida).
What are the side effects of kola nut?
The caffeine in cola nut can cause insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and respiration, and other side effects. When cola nut is used medicinally in larger amounts or for a long period of time, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.
What is the difference between bitter kola and kola nut?
The bitter kola is bitter, whereas the kola nut is slightly bitter when chewed but leaves a pleasant sweet aftertaste. And they both have numerous advantages! The kola nut is derived from the kola tree, an evergreen found in tropical Africa.
Why do people chew kola nut?
Kola nuts are traditionally chewed to reduce hunger and fatigue, aid digestion, and remedy hangovers. They can also be dried and boiled to make a tea. Though fresh kola nuts are widely available for sale in West Africa, in the U.S. you're more likely to encounter it in the form of an extract.
What is a kola nut in things fall apart?
In Chinua Achebe‟s Things fall Apart, the referent text, the kola nut is articulated as a foodstuff of primary importance in the life of his people. Therefore, the whole livelihood of his Igbo community revolves around it; for it offers to play a role of unity, harmony and solidarity.
What are the disadvantages of eating bitter kola?
Bitter kola can cause mouth cancer. According to researches chewing kola nuts can lead to mouth or gastrointestinal cancer. Bitter kola contains quite a big amount of caffeine, which is why eating too much of this product can be quite unhealthy. So you should be careful with the amount of the eaten nuts.
How many types of kola nut do we have?
Three (3) varieties of Kola, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola which are tropical African crops were obtained from Ifon-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria. This was with a view to carrying out the proximate analysis of the seeds.
What's the scientific name for kola nut?
ColaCola / Scientific name
Where does the Kola tree grow?
AfricaThe main centers of production are in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. Annual production from these countries alone is in excess of 250,000 tons. Generally, kola trees grow up to 40 feet (12 m) tall, although specimens in excess of 75 feet (25 m) are known.
How to grow Kola nuts?
If you want to start growing kola nuts, you can start by planting a few nuts in containers. When they have germinated, transplant the seedlings outside. You can also try growing kola nuts from cuttings.
How tall do Kola nut trees grow?
This works best if you live on the coast in rainforest conditions. Kola nut information says that the trees grow to 60 feet (18 m.). This is a project that may try a gardener’s patience. It can take a decade before the trees bear nuts. Printer Friendly Version.
What is a kola tree?
Cola Tree. By: Teo Spengler. Printer Friendly Version. Image by HandmadePictures. What is a kola nut? It is the fruit of various species of “Cola” trees that are native to tropical Africa. These nuts contain caffeine and are used as stimulants and to aid digestion. For more kola nut information, including tips for growing kola nuts, read on.
Why are kola nuts chewed?
Plates of these nuts are offered as gifts or brought out when visitors arrive. Although they have little taste, they are chewed to help promote digestion. Kola nut trees were first actively cultivated in West Africa. Later, the trees were brought to Brazil and the Caribbean by Africans in the slave trade.
What is kola nut used for?
Today, kola nut uses have expanded and they have many uses in herbal and natural medicine. One of the main kola nut uses is as stimulants. In addition to caffeine, the nuts contain theobromine, the ingredient that is found in chocolate and reputed to bring a sense of well-being.
Why do people eat kola nuts?
In addition to being stimulants, eating kola nuts may help increase oxygen levels in the blood and promote better concentration. Kola nuts are also used in tinctures to help “drive” other herbs into the blood. Other kola nut uses include fighting infection and clearing chest colds.
Which country produces the most kola nuts?
Today, the country of Nigeria is growing kola nuts commercially and produces 70% of the world’s kola nuts. If the world “cola” sounds familiar, that’s because the famous American soft drink is related to the kola nut.
How tall are kola nuts?
Overview. The kola nut is the fruit of the kola tree ( Cola acuminata and Cola nitida ), indigenous to West Africa. The trees, which reach heights of 40 to 60 feet, produce a star-shaped fruit. Each fruit contains between two and five kola nuts. About the size of a chestnut, this little fruit is packed with caffeine.
Why is kola nut important?
The kola nut is a cultural staple in many West African countries, prized for its effects as a central nervous system stimulant. Throughout West Africa, every market, bus depot, and corner shop has small piles of kola nuts for sale. It’s a significant cash crop for poor rural farmers.
What does kola taste like?
About the size of a chestnut, this little fruit is packed with caffeine. Kola nuts have a bitter taste when chewed fresh. When they’re dried, the taste becomes milder and they reportedly smell of nutmeg.
Where can I find kola nut extract?
In the West (the United States and Europe), you are more likely to encounter kola nut extract than the fresh nut itself. Kola extract is a common food flavoring found in Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and now many popular energy drinks.
Does kola nut extract affect the central nervous system?
The side effects of kola nut and kola nut extract parallel the effects of a comparable dose of caffeine. Caffeine has many effects on the body, including: stimulating your central nervous system, making you feel awake and energetic.
Does kola nut help with hunger?
People have claimed that kola nut sweetens stale water, treats fatigue, and eases hunger pains. Most of these claims should be seen as folklore until proven otherwise. While kola nut may have health benefits, they have yet to be scientifically researched and proven.
Is kola nut extract a stimulant?
In the past, kola extract was used in certain weight loss drugs and over-the-counter stimulants. Kola nut extract is also marketed as an herbal supplement. These supplements are typically not monitored by the FDA, but they may include a warning about caffeine content.
What does a kola nut symbolize?
In a kola nut Igbo ceremony, for example, the nut is presented to welcome visitors and used to symbolize peace and goodwill. In other parts of the world, kola nut extract and kola nut powder are much more common than the fresh nut itself. These ingredients are found in many sodas, energy drinks, weight loss drugs and herbal supplements.
How to make kola nut tea?
Alternatively, you can use it to brew kola nut tea by combining one teaspoon with a cup of hot water and steeping for a few minutes to taste.
What are the benefits of Kola nuts?
Theobromine can dilate the blood vessels, stimulate the heart and act as a natural diuretic to promote urine production. Kola nuts also offer a range of antioxidants and polyphenols, including cate chin, epicate chin, apigenin and naringenin.
How much caffeine is in a pod of nut?
In fact, each pod packs the equivalent caffeine content of about two cups of coffee nutrition, along with a host of antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds.
What does kola do to your body?
1. Enhances Energy Levels . Kola nuts are high in caffeine, a compound found in coffee and tea that acts as a central nervous stimulant. Caffeine alters the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to increased energy levels, focus and alertness.
Where does the cola nut come from?
The kola nut, sometimes also called the cola nut, is a type of edible nut that comes from the kola tree, which is native to West Africa. These trees can grow up to 60 feet tall and are notable for their vibrant yellow flowers and star-shaped fruits, each of which contains two to five kola nuts.
Is kola a good nut?
Rich in caffeine, theobromine and disease-fighting antioxidants, the kola nut has been linked to a number of powerful benefits. Here are a few of the ways that this healthy nut could impact your health. 1. Enhances Energy Levels. Kola nu ts are high in caffeine, a compound found in coffee and tea that acts as a central nervous stimulant.
What is kola nut?
The kola nut is also used as an additive in energy drinks and performance enhancers. In some cases, it is used in the form of an extract or powder. The nut is boiled to extract the kola or it can be ground into a powder. In certain parts of the world, the nut is used as a type of alternative medicine.
Where does the kola nut come from?
But what are the health benefits of the kola nut? The nut comes from the evergreen kola tree, which is found in the rainforests of Africa. Inside the tree’s star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the seeds or kola nuts.
What is the caffeine content of kola nut?
The kola nut contains about 2 to 3 percent caffeine and 1 to 2 percent theobromine, both of which act as stimulants when consumed. Caffeine is the stimulant often found in coffee and cola soft drinks. Theobromine is also found in green tea and chocolate. The kola nut also contains micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
What are the benefits of kola nut?
Several possible benefits of the kola nut and its products include the following: Boost to metabolism: Kola nut products contain caffeine, which may give a person’s metabolism a boost. Aid to digestion: Kola nut powder and extract may help digestion.
Why is the Kola Nut important?
Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering. The kola nut has some reported benefits for health.
What is the purpose of kola nut?
In certain African countries, the kola nut is chewed during ceremonies and rituals. It is also used to sweeten breath. Another application of the kola nut in the western world is as a flavoring agent for sodas.
Can kola nuts cause high blood pressure?
Increased blood pressure may be a side effect of kola nuts. The risk of side effects may vary and increase, depending on how much of the nut is eaten. Possible side effects of the kola nut include: Increased blood pressure: Because the active ingredients in the kola nut are stimulant to the body, the nut can raise blood pressure.
Where are kola nuts grown?
Though native to Africa, two species especially, Cola acuminata and C. nitida, are grown commercially in various tropical regions around the world, the dried kola nuts being used in manufacturing the popular soft drink called cola.….
Why do people chew kola nuts?
Kola nuts are used locally as a medium of exchange. They are also commonly chewed by local labourers as a stimulant to diminish sensations of hunger and fatigue. Small pieces of kola nut chewed before meals act as an aid to digestion.
What is the purpose of nuts in Brazil?
In Brazil and the West Indies, the astringent-tasting nuts are used as a botanical drug to combat intoxication, hangover, and diarrhea. The Igbo of southeastern Nigeria employ the nut in various social rituals.
Where is the cola nut from?
Alternative Title: cola nut. Kola nut, caffeine-containing nut of Cola acuminata and Cola nitida, trees of the cocoa family (Sterculiaceae) native to tropical Africa and cultivated extensively in the American tropics. The evergreen tree grows to 18.3 metres (60 feet) and resembles the chestnut.
How tall is a chestnut tree?
The evergreen tree grows to 18.3 metres (60 feet) and resembles the chestnut. The 5-centimetre- (2-inch-) long brown nut is hand-collected and dried in the sun for commercial use, mainly as an ingredient of soft drinks and medicine.
Do they use kola nuts in soft drinks?
American and European soft-drink manufacturers, however, do not use the kola nut; instead, they manufacture synthetic chemicals that resemble the flavour of the kola nut. Kola nuts are used locally as a medium of exchange.
Is it safe to eat kola nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts, you may wonder if it's safe to eat kola nuts. The kola nut is used for medicinal purposes and in cooking. It's sold as an herbal supplement to help with depression, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea and migraines. As with any supplement or herb used in cooking, you may develop an allergic reaction to the substance after ingesting it. The kola nut is a seed of the kola plant, primarily found in tropical parts of the world. If you experience adverse reactions after eating the kola nut, call your doctor.
Is kola nut a food allergy?
Kola nut is not listed as a common food allergy, according to MayoClinic.com, but any food can cause an allergic reaction 2 3. A kola nut is actually a seed and not related to tree nut allergies. If you're allergic to the kola nut, after you ingest it your immune system mistakes the substance as harmful. The body reacts as if it's under attack and begins to defend itself by creating antibodies, histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause increased inflammation in soft tissue throughout the body, resulting in common food allergy symptoms 2 3.
What Is Cola Nut?
- Kola nut comes from the cola tree, which originates from the jungle in tropical Africa. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters high. Between the leaves we find star-shaped flowers and oval leaves. There are over 125 different types of kola nut trees with some variations among the edible fruits they have. The most used species are col...
A Stimulant
- Kola nut is a very healthy food and contains a high concentration of caffeine. Just one nut has a higher concentration of caffeine than two cups of American coffee. This amount is necessary to stimulate every central nervous system of a human being. Kola nut can be consumed in several ways. We can consume it raw, cured for 6 months, ground, dried in the sun for about 40 days or …
An Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
- Kola nut has a number of compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the body. Studies have shown that consuming decaffeinated kola nut extracts helps reduce inflammation. It is said that this effect can be achieved thanks to the antioxidant action of phenolic compounds.
An Antimicrobial and Antihypertensive Agent
- As we mentioned before, there are several studies showing the therapeutic benefits of the kola nut. Its alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols and flavonoids are used to fight certain diseases that are resistant to the use of antibiotics. Studies demonstrated the potential of the kola nut’s antibacterial activity thanks to an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. Therefore, it is perfect to …
Effects
- As with almost all products of this type, excessive or uncontrolled consumption can cause side effects. As with almost all dietary supplements, consuming them in excess can cause serious damage. In this case, irresponsible consumption of kola nuts has a negative effect on the teeth. This results in bad breath and staining problems. One should be careful with the high concentrat…