So, you’ve discovered Gorontula.
Maybe someone recommended it to you. Maybe you came across it online. Or perhaps you’ve heard it called “African Chewing Gum” and wondered what exactly that means.
Then comes the obvious question:
How do you actually take Gorontula?
If you’re trying Gorontula for the first time, don’t worry. You’re not the only person who has looked at the fruit, powder or syrup and thought, “Okay… but what am I supposed to do with this?” 😄
Gorontula can be enjoyed in different forms, and the best method for you may simply come down to whether you prefer the traditional fruit, something you can mix into a drink, or a ready-to-use syrup.
Here’s our beginner-friendly guide.
First Things First: What Is Gorontula?
Gorontula is an African fruit traditionally enjoyed in parts of tropical Africa. It is also popularly known as African Chewing Gum because of its distinctive sweet, chewy and sticky texture when eaten.
At Gorontula UK, we offer the fruit in several forms, including whole fruit, powder and different types of syrup or extraction.
That means there isn't just one way to enjoy Gorontula.
You can chew it, mix it or sip it — depending on the form you choose.
1. How to Eat Dried Gorontula Fruit
If you want to experience Gorontula in its traditional fruit form, this is where to start.
Our FAQ recommends taking 2–5 dried Gorontula fruits, soaking them in warm water for around 10 minutes to soften them, and then washing them thoroughly.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Soak
Place 2–5 dried Gorontula fruits in warm water for approximately 10 minutes.
This helps soften the fruit and makes it easier to prepare.
Step 2: Wash thoroughly
Once softened, wash the fruit properly.
Step 3: Open the fruit
Open the fruit and remove the seeds.
Step 4: Chew and enjoy
The fun part!
Chew the fruit slowly and enjoy the naturally sweet, sticky texture.
This is where the name “African Chewing Gum” starts to make sense. As you chew, you experience the sweetness and texture before being left with the fibrous chaff.
Important: Do not swallow the chaff.
What does Gorontula fruit taste like?
Gorontula has a distinctive taste and texture, which is part of what makes it different from many fruits you may already know.
If you’re expecting something like a conventional dried mango, date or raisin, you may be surprised.
Gorontula is really an experience of its own.
And if you're someone who enjoys discovering traditional African foods and ingredients, trying the whole fruit is a great place to begin.
2. How to Take Gorontula Powder
If the idea of preparing whole fruit isn't quite your thing, Gorontula Powder offers a simpler option.
Gorontula UK's powder is made from dried organic Gorontula fruit that has been blended into powder.
How to prepare it
Simply take a spoonful of Gorontula Powder and mix it with lukewarm water.
You can also add a natural sweetener such as:
- Honey
- Dates
- Another natural sweetener you enjoy
The result is an easy drink that can fit into your usual routine.
A simple beginner's idea
If you're new to the powder, keep things simple.
Start with lukewarm water, mix thoroughly and adjust the taste with your preferred natural sweetener.
You can also experiment with how you enjoy it as part of your drinks routine.
The key is convenience: no soaking, opening or removing seeds required.
3. How to Take Gorontula Syrup
Perhaps the easiest option for beginners is Gorontula in syrup or extraction form.
The main thing to understand is that not all Gorontula syrups are the same.
At Gorontula UK, we process Gorontula in different ways because customers have different preferences when it comes to taste and texture.
Here's a quick guide.
💧 Full Extraction — the juice-like option
Our Full Extraction is made from pure Gorontula extraction with no preservative or sweetener.
It has a richer, juice-like consistency and is specifically an option for people who don't enjoy the slimy texture associated with some Gorontula preparations.
If you're thinking:
“I want to try Gorontula, but I'm not sure about the texture…”
This may be the place to start.
🌿 Thick & Slimy — for those who like the traditional texture
Our Thick & Slimy option combines pure Gorontula with natural herbs and has the thicker, slimier texture that some Gorontula lovers specifically look for.
The current product guidance recommends one teaspoon and advises pouring slowly to avoid wastage.
🍯 Thick Caramel Syrup — the sweeter option
Prefer something sweeter?
The Thick Caramel Syrup is made from Gorontula fruit with caramel and is designed to be mixed with a hot tea or drink.
The current product guidance recommends one full spoon twice a day.
So, when choosing a syrup, don't just ask:
“Which Gorontula syrup is best?”
Ask:
“Which texture and taste do I prefer?”
That's why we offer different options.
4. Can You Put Gorontula in Tea?
Yes — depending on the form you're using.
Gorontula Powder can be mixed into a warm drink, while our Thick Caramel Syrup is specifically described for mixing with hot tea or another hot drink.
This makes Gorontula easy to incorporate into a cosy morning or evening drink.
And if you're already someone who enjoys herbal teas, fruit-based drinks or natural ingredients, experimenting with different ways of enjoying Gorontula can be part of the fun.
5. How Often Should You Take Gorontula?
This is where it's important to distinguish between the different products.
There isn't one universal serving instruction for every form of Gorontula.
For example, Gorontula UK's current guidance recommends:
Whole fruit: 2–5 pieces, prepared by soaking and washing before eating.
Powder: one spoonful mixed with lukewarm water.
Full Extraction: two full spoons.
Thick & Slimy: one full spoon.
Thick Caramel Syrup: one full spoon twice daily.
But remember: Hormonal levels are different so if your body needs more, go for it!
If you're new to Gorontula, start by following the instructions for the specific product you've purchased.
6. Which Gorontula Should a Beginner Try?
Still unsure?
Here's the simple version:
| If you… | You might prefer… |
|---|---|
| Want to experience the fruit itself | 🍈 Whole Gorontula Fruit |
| Like chewing traditional fruits | 🍬 Gorontula Fruit |
| Want something easy to mix | 🥄 Gorontula Powder |
| Prefer a juice-like texture | 💧 Full Extraction |
| Like a thicker, slimy texture | 🌿 Thick & Slimy |
| Prefer something sweeter | 🍯 Thick Caramel Syrup |
| Like adding things to tea | ☕ Powder or Thick Caramel Syrup |
There is no need to overcomplicate it.
Think about how you like to consume things first — then choose the Gorontula form that fits your lifestyle.
7. What Should You Know Before You Start?
A few simple things can make your first Gorontula experience much easier.
Don't be surprised by the texture
If you've never had Gorontula before, the texture can be unexpected — particularly with the whole fruit and Thick & Slimy preparation.
That's completely different from saying something is wrong with the product.
It's simply part of what makes Gorontula unique.
Follow the preparation instructions
Especially with whole fruit, take a few minutes to prepare it properly.
Soak, wash, open, remove the seeds and enjoy.
Store it properly
Gorontula UK's current FAQ recommends storing both the fruit and syrup in the fridge or freezer to preserve them for longer, with a maximum period of five months stated in the FAQ.
Pregnant?
Gorontula UK's FAQ currently states that its syrup is not recommended for pregnant women. If you're pregnant or have any concerns about whether a particular product is suitable for you, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before using it.
8. You Don't Have to Choose Just One
One of the things we love about Gorontula is that you don't necessarily have to stick to one form forever.
You might enjoy the whole fruit when you have time to prepare it.
You might choose the powder when you want something quick.
And you might reach for a syrup when convenience is the priority.
Different forms simply give you different ways to enjoy the same traditional fruit.
Ready to Try Gorontula?
If you're completely new to Gorontula, there's no need to feel overwhelmed.
Start with the form that feels easiest for you.
🍈 Fruit if you want the traditional chewing experience.
🥄 Powder if you want something simple to mix.
💧 Full Extraction if you prefer a juice-like texture.
🌿 Thick & Slimy if you enjoy the richer, traditional texture.
🍯 Thick Caramel Syrup if you prefer something sweeter and easy to add to a hot drink.
At Gorontula UK, we've made it possible to enjoy this unique African fruit in the way that suits you.
👉🏾 Explore the full Gorontula collection and find your favourite way to take it.
And if you're still unsure which one to choose, send us a message — we're always happy to help you find the right starting point.