Amazon on the plate

Cacauí
Origin
The cacauízeiro, Theobroma
Speciosum, the smaller and wilder
relative of the cacao, and also from
the cupuaçu, is native to the
<strong>Amazon</strong>. It grows on a tree with a
narrow trunk and a small canopy
that can reach 15 m in height and
can only be found in the jungle. Also
called monkey or alligator cocoa, it is
rarely cultivated. Its fruits are sold
on the edge of the street or at street
markets on the country side. The
bark of the fruit is soft but woody
and forms a more or less 12 cm
capsule, hiding the seeds, well
organized and wrapped in a thin
layer of juicy pulp of delicate floral
taste. Between September and
October the trunk rediscovers itself
with clusters of small red purple
flowers which e exude a strong odor
of lemon and are also edible.
Aroma
The pulp has a delicate, fresh and
slightly citric aroma.
Use
The pulp is eaten in natura. The seed
provides a type of chocolate.
Classic
Devoured in natura or in the form of
juice.
Exotic
Use of edible flowers.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
The <strong>Amazon</strong> on the plate
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