Cupuacu
Theobroma grandiflorum
Description
Amazonian fruit with creamy pulp and characteristic aroma. A close relative of cacao, used in juices, sweets, and cosmetics.
Benefits
Contains theacrine (natural stimulant), Vitamin A (300 IU/100g), and fatty acids. Hydrates skin and hair.
History and Origins
Cultivated by Amazonian indigenous peoples for 5-8 thousand years, Cupuacu was considered sacred. In local rituals, shamans used its juice for spiritual visions. It only gained national projection in the 1980s, when chefs discovered its potential in gastronomy.
Fun Facts
Cupuacu is a cousin of cacao! Its seeds produce an alternative chocolate called "cupulate". In Colombia, its pulp is popularly used as a natural hair conditioner!
What are the varieties of Cupuacu?
Cultivars developed by research institutes: Smooth Skin, Giant (2kg fruits), Duchess (extra-creamy pulp), and BRS Fartura (high yield).
Nutritional Values per 100g of Cupuacu
| Calories | 72 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 15.8 g |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
| Fat | 1.4 g |
| Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Vitamin C | 23.4 mg |
Harvest Months
Harvest months listed here correspond to the Southern Hemisphere.
