Kingdom Plante
Phylum/Division magnolyophyta
Class Magnoliopside
Order Malvales
Family Malvaceae
Gender theobroma
Species Theobroma grandiflorum
The cupuassu tree, Theobroma grandiflorum, is a plant belonging to the same genus as cocoa (theobroma cacao). For this reason, both are very similar, including their fruit: elongated, large, heavy and with a hard skin; containing a fleshy white pulp, enveloping its seeds, of large size.
THE T. grandiflorum it is native to the Amazon region, frequently found in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Small to medium in size, reaching up to twenty meters in height, it is well adapted to shade and can be grown together with other larger plants.
Its pulp is widely used in the manufacture of juices, jellies, creams, ice cream, cookies, jams and even liqueurs. The seeds are also used to remove their butter, used in cooking, for the manufacture of the cupulate; or for the manufacture of ointments, lipsticks, creams and shampoos.
Due to the presence of pectin, cupuaçu helps to reduce blood glucose and bad cholesterol, also helping with weight loss due to such factors (and because it reduces satiety). Thanks to the antioxidant substances it has, its seed extract may be able to inhibit or slow down the progression of cavities.
Curiosity:
On May 19, 2008, the former president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, sanctioned Law No. 11,675, recognizing cupuaçu as a legitimately Brazilian fruit. This measure was of great value, since the cupuaçu had been patented by a Japanese company, in 2000, blocking opportunities for the sale of cupuaçu abroad by companies Brazilian companies. Fortunately, that record was revoked in 2005.
See more!
Açaí: know its properties and the ways in which the parts of the açaí palm are used.
By Mariana Araguaia
Biologist, specialist in Environmental Education
Brazil School Team
fruit - Brazil School