What Makes Sao Tome and Principe Unique?

   

The islands of Sao Tome and Principe can lay claim to several stunning natural physical features that rivals some of the best in the world. Its tropical beaches are as pristine as the sun-kissed ones of the Caribbean, the thick jungle covered mountains are reminiscent of Jurassic Park and the natural volcanic mountain of Pico de Grande is as imposing as the Burj Khalifa. Its chocolates are as fine as the Swiss ones and its alluring Euro-African culture has a special appeal.

But all these attributes do not make Sao Tome and Principe unique. Where Sao Tome and Principe is peerless (alongside Galapagos Islands) is its incredible biodiversity and the range of endemic species of fauna and flora it holds.

A trek through the luxuriant Sao Tome Forest can be an unforgettable experience, especially when accompanied by an expert local English-speaking guide, who can give you a practical lesson in biology along the way.

The tropical rainforests of Sao Tome and Principe have been classified as the most valuable among Africa’s forests by the international scientific community. They are widely regarded as one of Africa's precious biodiversity hotspots. UNESCO has declared the entire island of Principe as a protected Biosphere Reserve.

The remoteness and insularity of these islands have contributed to high endemism rates that are rarely seen in other places. They are home to over 60 exclusive bird species,166 highly prized endemic plant species, over 300 species of herbs and 28 recorded species of rare animals and reptiles.

Many of the fruits and plants that grow on these islands are exotic and which may bear little resemblance to what is normally seen in fruit markets of most countries. A classic example is the Sape-Sape, which is a prickly fruit that looks like a thorny custard apple. This variety of Soursop with white flesh inside, can be found all over the jungles of these islands.

 

Sape Sape grows in the wild in the archipelago's humid areas, but is rarely found and included on the IUCN’s endangered list.

The Pessego de São Tomé or SaoTome Peach is a fruit that grows on a small tree indigenous to the islands of São Tomé e Príncipe. The fruits have a violet, velvety peel, triangularly shaped and quite sweet.

Safou (African pear or plum), also called butter fruit, is specific to Africa, the Gulf of Guinea in particular. Dark blue or purple in colour, this fruit is cooked like a vegetable (boiled or grilled) and consumed. It tastes like butter, but contains no fat and is even recommended for weight control.

Fruits like Safu contribute to the food and nutritional security of nations in this region.

The iconic and towering Baybao tree bears a fruit that is packed with natural vitamins and resembles a hard-shelled coconut.

Alongside these exotic fruits, familiar fruits such as banana, plantain, guava, breadfruit (fruta pao), jackfruit (jaca) mango (manga), pineapple, cashew, guava, almonds, small orange and pomegranate and raspberries, grow nonchalantly all across these twin super fertile islands.

It is a common sight to see the cheerful mothers with babies slung on their backsides, busily tending to their roadside fruit marts. Wild raspberries are expertly packed in porcelain rose leaves and Jack fruits are deftly fleshed out and arranged in neat packs of 12 or 24 pieces

Two important fruits, fruta-pão, or breadfruit and banana, play a critical role in the daily nutrition of the people of Sao Tome and Principe. Seven varieties of banana are processed and consumed in all possible ways – raw, fried, ripened, fried, boiled, dried roasted and even grilled.

The bread fruit is fried, boiled, roasted or milled into flour. High in carbs, protein and vitamins, one ball of breadfruit has enough nutrients to feed a family of five for a day. It is also fried as fritters and sticky puddings are made. Small coconuts grow everywhere across the islands, providing a cheap source of nutrition and a cool beverage.

Though Sao Tome has not achieved food security for its citizens, the bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish, not only keeps the population healthy and sturdy, but also enables limited exports.

 

https://www.transcontinentaltimes.com/2022/04/14/sao-tome-and-principes/