The inside and outside of the fruit
Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), also spelled Cupuassu, Cupuazú, and Copoasu, is a tropical rainforest tree related to cacao.
Common throughout the Amazon basin, it is widely cultivated in the jungles of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru and in the north of Brazil, with the largest production in Pará, followed by Amazonas, Rondônia and Acre.
The white pulp of the cupuaçu is uniquely fragrant (described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple). It is frequently used in desserts, juices and sweets. The juice tastes primarily like a pear, with a hint of banana.
This exotic fruit comes from the Brazilian rainforest and comes loaded with natural anti-aging benefits that cannot be found in such a concentrated form. This fruit grows on the Cupuacu tree which is small to medium in size for this region.
Growing:
Cupuaçu trees usually range from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 50 feet) in height, though some can reach 20 meters (65 feet). They have brown bark. Their leaves are 25–35 cm (10–14 in) long and 6–10 cm (2–4 in) across, with 9 or 10 pairs of veins.
Fruit growing on the tree
As they mature, their leaves change from pink-tinted to green, and eventually they begin bearing fruit. Cupuaçu fruits are oblong, brown, and fuzzy, 20 cm (8 in) long, 1–2 kg (2–4 lb) in weight, and covered with a thick (4–7 mm), hard exocarp.
Uses:
For supplements, this fruit is processed from its ripe form and fermented over time and cold pressed to used in different applications, such as pills or liquids to aid in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin deficiencies.
The wood is also commonly used for timber. The pulp is also used in cosmetics products such as body lotions, as is highly hydratating, similar to cocoa butter.
The popularity of Cupuaçu is growing and it has recently been featured on some leading news shows where they have discussed some of the amazing benefits that it provides.
