Native African fruits that have created million-dollar industries outside the continent

Ackee fruit

Ackee Fruit

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This fibre rich fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica. Ackee is natively from West Africa and is said to be a corrupt version of the word “Akye”, a Twi word from the Akan tribe in Ghana, West Africa. This fruit is believed to have migrated from West Africa in the late 17^th century to the Caribbean. It is one of the other main ingredients of Jamaica’s cherished National dish; “Ackee and Saltfish”.

Cooked ackee with saltfish and dumplings — Photo credit: greedygirlcooks.blogspot.com