Description
Red kola nuts are the seeds of the kola tree (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida) that have a reddish or white flesh. They are a staple of West African culture and are used as a stimulant and in traditional ceremonies.
Characteristics
Appearance: Star-shaped fruit that contains between two and five kola nuts
Taste: Bitter when chewed fresh, milder and nutmeg-like when dried
Caffeine content: Contains about 2–4% caffeine and theobromine
Uses
Stimulant: Chewed for a dose of caffeine
Traditional ceremonies: Used in traditional and cultural ceremonies in Nigeria and many West African countries
Ethnomedicine: Used to treat ailments such as whooping cough, asthma, malaria, and fever
Other uses
Kola nut extract is a common food flavoring found in Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and many popular energy drinks
The pod, seed, and seed shell contain phytochemicals that can be used to develop drugs
The pod, seed, and seed shell can be used to produce biofuel, adsorbents, enzymes, organic fertilizers, and animal feeds
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