FOR THE LOVE OF SCIENCE: Utamu is a game changer in the tea industry. Stellenbosch University (SU) Food Science PhD graduate, Dr Trust Pfukwa has taken his passion for creating innovative food and beverage products to the next level by producing tea from indigenous South African fruits.

Guest: Dr. Trust Pfukwa

With his extensive knowledge in food science and technology, he started a line
of teas that does not only taste delicious but also offer a range of health
benefits under his company “Utamu Food”. The range of Utamu tea products
include the Honey Bush tea that gives the sweetness of nature with a
refreshing taste, the Honey Bush tea with sour fig and the Honey Bush Tea with
water pear, all products are natural and caffeine free.
“Utamu” is a Swahili word for “sweetness”, which describes the taste of the tea.
Dr Pfukwa always felt the need to introduce people to indigenous fruits and
believes that the tea is a way to present the sweetness of indigenous fruits.
During his PhD studies, he focused on bioprospecting indigenous South African
fruits byproducts as a source of antioxidant preservatives for application in
processed meat, under the supervision of Prof Cletos Mapiye. He revealed that
indigenous fruits byproducts are a rich source of powerful polyphenolic
antioxidants with high potential as natural preservatives in processed meat
products.
“I had the desire to introduce people to the native fruits of South Africa. Fruits
such as waterpear, sour fig, wild plum, and kei apple, among others, are
currently considered underutilized and under-researched, despite their high
nutritional and medicinal value. These fruits can potentially be incorporated into
profitable value chains, which can uplift the rural livelihoods,” says Pfukwa.
He adds “Unfortunately, due to westernization and the nutritional transition,
these traditional food sources have been forgotten or looked down upon as
food for the poor. Hence, our objective was to contribute to the necessary
revival of African cuisine and provide people with a sample of Africa in a cup.”
Mapiye said: “There is lack of information and interest towards valorisation of
indigenous fruits and their by-products in Africa. Dr Pfukwa’s research is
contributing immensely to unmask the potential of these often neglected and
underutilised resources for food, nutrition, and income security. His business
venture in the form of Utamu Food presents a reawakening of these fruits
which tallies closely with the need for sustainable food sources and potential to
uplift marginalised communities.”
One of the things that sets Utamu Foods apart from other tea brands is the
focus on indigenous foods as a source of health and wellness. Dr Pfukwa has
incorporated superfoods like sour fig and water pear into his tea blends, which
are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties.
He also avoids using artificial flavours or additives, ensuring that Utamu teas
are all-natural and healthy.