Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 15 – By Dr. Marli Botha – Article 15 of 40
By Dr. Marli Botha
What is cupuaçu? Brazil’s best kept secret ! The cupuaçu, also known as cupuassu, is a popular and widely known fruit native to the Amazon basin, particularly in northern Brazil, and is closely related to cacao.
Let’s unwrap the wonders of the cupuaçu – the silky, tangy, antioxidant-rich fruit you didn’t know you needed!
- The raw fruit has a slightly acidic taste and chewy texture. However, it may be difficult to find outside of South America, as it’s not commonly exported.
- The fruit is ovular with a brown rind and white, fleshy pulp. It resembles its relative, the cacao fruit. Its flavor is compared to chocolate with hints of tropical fruit like melon or pineapple.
- Cupuaçu butter is rich in fats that contribute to healthy hair and skin. What’s more, its fruit is a great source of antioxidants and fiber.
- Rhodopsin are also abundant in Capuacu fruit which gives a purple pigment and also helps us to reduces macular degeneration and cataracts.
