Cupuassu

Cupuassu is an evergreen tree bearing large, woody fruit. Its pods are oblong and can grow to 25 cm long and weigh up to 1.5 kg.

Inside the brown pod is a pulp containing 20-50 seeds. The creamy-white flesh is rich and tangy, with a strong tropical fruit aroma. It has a chocolaty and tropical fruit taste. It is difficult to determine ripeness as the external colour of the pod does not change colour.

Cupuassu is a close relative of cacao, the tree used to make chocolate. In its native home of Brazil, the seeds are used to make a chocolate substitute called cupulate which tastes like a mix of chocolate and pineapple.

Other uses: medicine, mixed farming