Africa's baobab tree is beloved for its nutrional and curative properites. Also known as the upside-down tree, it's unusual appearance has captured the imagination of many.
Image: Imago/Mint Images
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With its enormous, swollen trunk and branches that look like roots, the baobab tree is an imposing and otherworldly figure in the African landscape. Also known as the "tree of life," it occupies a mythical space for many on the continent.
That it is so iconic is little wonder. A baobab can survive for thousands of years in the dry, harsh scrublands and savannas of Africa where it grows. (It's also found in India and Australia.)
They store water in their trunks and produce a nutrient rich fruit that has six times more vitamin C than oranges and 50 percent more calcium than spinach. The bark is used for making cloth and rope, while the root and leaves are used in remedies for malaria, insect bites and fever.
Image: ileiry/Fotolia
The tree's reputation has now extended beyond Africa. Some worry the fruit - seen as a "super food" - could become scarce as demand for it grows in Europe and elsewhere and production becomes commercialized. Traditionally, the baobab is wild and is harvested by hand.
Still, others feel if the tree is sustainably farmed, it could provide a steady income for communities.
Do you have a picture of a beautiful landscape or something amazing in nature that you want to share with our readers? If so, you can send it to us using the upload tool on our website, or by emailing us at ecoafrica@dw.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Irresistible food trends
Cabbage, cronut and brinner all meet in this picture gallery exploring some of the most popular culinary trends.
Image: https://avocadobanane.wordpress.com
Food with a good conscience
The "Food Report 2016" compiled by nutritionist and trend researcher Hanni Rützler pinpoints three developing trends. She calls the first one "spiritual food." Whether vegetarian, vegan, halal or kosher, consumers are increasingly reflecting on the ethics of food.
Image: Imago
Instant quality
"Fast good" is a label that borrows on "fast food," yet in this case, people want their quickly prepared meals to nevertheless be nutritious. Fresh and regional ingredients make up such dishes. Hispanic, Asian and Arabic influences provide creative inspiration.
Image: picture-alliance/beyond/Junos
Lunch on wheels
Grabbing a quick bite on the go didn't start with the invention of food trucks. Yet some of them specialize in preparing "infinite food," as another new trend is called. For example, the Swagman truck (pictured) offers in the Bayreuth region of Germany slow-roasted meat and homemade mashed potatoes instead of hamburgers and fries.
Image: swagman
Sharing inspirations
Whether in Cologne, Paris or New York, inside or outside, street food festivals offer a taste of the latest culinary trends. Every week in Berlin's Markthalle Neun (pictured), the event "Street food Thursday" showcases how traditional food, from Mexican tacos to West African fufu, can be turned into creative bites.
Image: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Time for something new
So-called hybrid foods have been popping up for a while already. This picture shows a "cronut," which was a trend in New York in 2013. More examples of hybrids: Ramen noodles replace the bread - or the patty - in "ramen burgers," and a "bruffin" is brioche-like muffin.
Image: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Order and cook
Instead of heading out to the supermarket and sweating in a queue, you can now simply order "cooking boxes" online. Simple recipes come with all the ingredients you need to make them.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/D.Naupold
The magical powers of antioxidants
Though there is no official definition of "superfoods," they are known to be packed with nutrients. Because of its antioxidant qualities, the acai berry is one of them. Some claim it has anti-ageing properties and can protect against diseases. This South American berry has a particular taste - earthy and nutty.
Image: DW/H. Fuchs
Versatile cabbage
Some regional products are also considered superfoods, such as cabbage, which is packed with vitamin C. Though it is traditionally served with minced meat and potatoes, some people like to experiment with it, using cabbage for example to replace the dough in pizza or quiche, or to prepare smoothies.
Image: eyetronic/Fotolia
Breakfast into the night
Forget brunch, organize a "brinner" instead: It's breakfast and dinner all-in-one, as you get to eat your breakfast favorites - with a twist - in an evening meal. Some suggestions for the menu: Tortillas with scrambled eggs or a hash browns, bacon and sausage casserole.
Image: cc-by-Arnold Gatilao-2.0.
And it pops
If ever you need a snack after that huge meal, popcorn is the way to go. Without butter, it is surprisingly low-cal. Some are now replacing croutons in salads with popcorn and even using it to make ice cream.
Image: Colourbox
Cooking for the web
Whoever still needs inspiration to cook can spend hours watching food videos online - it's a booming trend. This picture shows whisky mince pies: muffins filled with mincemeat that has been spiked with whisky.
