How Elephants signal the start of Marula season in South Africa

Ever wondered what the elephant’s role is in the making of a popular Marula product that’s loved by many? Here’s the story…

Marula fruit and Elephants

If you’re a South African (or not) over the age of 18, chances are you’ve had a taste of the ever-popular and delicious Amarula Cream Liquor. But did you know that the African elephant plays a vital role in the making of the product?

According to MailOnline, elephants have been drawn to the scent of ripened marula fruit across the plains of South Africa for centuries. And once the elephants arrive to sample the fruit from the trees, locals then know the Marula is ready to be harvested.

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Generations of families have reportedly learned from elephants’ instincts and as soon as the gentle giants begin gathering under the ancient Marula trees, the locals know that the fruit is ripe.

The excited locals are known to rush out of their homes to hand-pick the delicious fruit which drop to the ground during the summer harvesting season, which they then sell to the South African liquor company, Amarula.

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There’s also a very short window for when the fruit can be picked from the ancient Marula trees, just once a year between January and February.

Shuhui Lim, Global Marketing Manager at Amarula, told MailOnline that the Marula harvest is one of the highlights of the year for local communities, as well as elephants.

“It brings everyone together – and has done for centuries – in a very special way – much like we enjoy blackberry and fruit picking in the UK.’ Lim said, as per MailOnline.

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