What you need to know about Pequi
The pequi fruit is one of the most interesting fruits in the world. Also known as the caryocar brasiliense or the “souari nut”, this fruit is very popular in Brasil and has a variety of uses. It can be found in the rainforest regions of the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic. Although it may be small, this fruit definitely packs a punch! Keep reading to find out more about the pequi fruit.
Delicious but Dangerous
The first thing that you need to know about pequi is that they can be dangerous and painful to eat. This isn’t because of any spice or intense flavor. Instead, pequi is dangerous because it contains a series of sharp, tiny spines that can get stuck in your mouth if you eat it too fast.
The pit in the center of the fruit is surrounded by these spikes. There is a thin, fleshy top layer that hides these spikes, so someone could mistakenly bite into a pequi and walk away with a very painful injury. The correct way to eat pequi without danger is to peel away the green skin and very delicately scrap away the top layer of pulp. However, you should always inspect a raw pequi for spikes!
Pequi can be made into a preservative or even a drink, so there are ways to taste it without running the risk of biting into some spikes. And you will definitely taste the pequi! It is described as having a smell and taste that is similar to both citrus and cheese. If that sounds strange, don’t worry! It’s an acquired taste, but a very striking one.
Experts also say that pequi has many health benefits, including Vitamins A and good fatty acids. It also has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your heart.
Pequi Has Many Different Uses
Aside from just being a unique fruit and snack, pequi has many uses that might surprise you. Oil can be extracted from the pulp and used for both skin and hair care. The vitamins and fatty acids in pequi oil makes it nourishing for both the hair and skin when it has been refined. The oil can also be used for cooking and other products.
Pequi can be used to make jam, alcohol, and sauce. Pequi sauce is very popular in Brasil, and often used as a dressing for poultry or with white rice. Although it may be surprising, pequi also makes an excellent ingredient in chili sauce! The unique flavor helps to bring out the mix of spices and heat and perfects the chili sauce.
Try a Taste of Pequi!
Even though this fruit sounds intimidating (for those unused to the spikes), it is something that everyone should try at least once in their life. People often say that you either love or hate the taste of pequi - but either way, it is good to try it. Once you try it for the first time, you will realize why pequi is such a popular fruit and ingredient in Brasil.