Taste, Smell & Quality

The kola nut has a tart, spicy flavour with a bitter note due to caffeine and theobromine, similar to unroasted cocoa. The aroma is typical of kola. Good quality is recognized by a fruity note, while poor quality has a musty smell. Fresh kola nuts are crisp and aromatic, similar to chestnuts or acorns, and are popular among Africans and connoisseurs. Bitter kola is significantly more bitter and is often used as an aphrodisiac, but it differs visually and in scent from the classic kola nut.

Dried Kola Nut

The taste of the dried kola nut lies between tart and earthy, spicy and aromatic. The bitter note is due to the alkaloids caffeine and theobromine. It is comparable to real cocoa, fermented but unroasted, just not chocolatey.

The smell, however, is unmistakably kola / cola-like.

Good quality is recognizable by a delicate, dark-fruity, and spicy note. Poor quality is recognizable by its musty smell, reminiscent of an old potato cellar.

With proper storage, the dried kola nut can last for several years. Due to its low fat content, the kola nut cannot go rancid. Age shows only in its bland and earthy taste and, depending on storage, also in a musty smell.

Fresh Kola Nut

The taste of kola nuts is tart, crisp, aromatic, cocoa-like, and slightly fruity. It is multifaceted and should not be underestimated, as it can be unfamiliar.

The consistency and smell of kola nuts are similar to chestnuts or acorns.

Fresh kola nuts are particularly popular among Africans and connoisseurs. As a European, one might not enjoy these nuts, as they cannot be compared to other nuts or fruits.

Bitter Kola

Bitter kola is indeed bitter and is mainly used as an aphrodisiac. It differs significantly from the kola nut (Cola nitida) both visually and in scent.