The cupuaçu tree belongs to the same family as cocoa tree and its main fruit is the cupuaçu, an extremely versatile fruit which can be used completely and in various ways.
The cupuaçu is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and in potassium. Its pulp is nutritious and contains a soluble fiber named pectin, which helps regulate the glucose concentration in the blood, maintain a good level of cholesterol, and it gives a feeling of saturation, thus being an aid to weight loss.
The cupuaçu pulp is often used for making juice, ice cream, smoothies, mousse, jellies, chocolates, and liqueur. The seeds are used for producing “cupulate”, a product with similar characteristics to the chocolate, but which contains nutritional value and is healthier.
The fat taken from the fruit is frequently used in the cosmetic industry for shampoos, soaps, and creams, due to its being highly nutritious and its emollient power. Its peel can be used for energy production.
Harvest
From January to June.
Nutrition facts label
Serving size 100g
Water (%) |
86.2 |
Calories (Kcal) |
49 |
Protein (g) |
1.2 |
Carbohydrate (g) |
10.4 |
Dietary fiber (g) |
3.1 |
Cholesterol (mg) |
n/a |
Lipids (g) |
1.0 |
Saturated fatty acid (g) |
0.4 |
Monounsaturated fatty acid (g) |
0.2 |
Polyunsaturated fatty acid (g) |
0.1 |
Calcium (mg) |
13 |
Phosphorus (mg) |
21 |
Iron (mg) |
0.5 |
Potassium (mg) |
331 |
Sodium (mg) |
3 |
Vitamin B1 (mg) |
0.37 |
Vitamin B2 (mg) |
0.04 |
Vitamin B6 (mg) |
0.07 |
Vitamin B3 (mg) |
4.34 |
Vitamin C (mg) |
24.5 |
Recipes
Cupuaçu Pie
Ingredients:
250g cupuaçu pulp
1 can heavy cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 pack Champagne cookie
100ml milk
Preparation:
Mix the cupuaçu pulp, the heavy cream, and the sweetened condensed milk in a blender until smooth consistency. Pour half the mixture into an oven-proof dish. Dip the cookie in the milk and place on top of the cream. Pour in the other half on top of the cookies. To decorate, place some cookies on the top. Serve cold. This recipe serves six portions.
Cupuaçu Chocolates
Ingredients:
3 cans sweetened condensed milk
1/2 kg cupuaçu pulp
1/2 kg sugar
For the coating:
1/2kg milk chocolate
Preparation:
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a pan and leave it to simmer until it starts pulling away from the sides of the pan and is consistent enough for the portions to be rolled into balls. Cool and get ½ soup spoon of the mixture, flatten with your fingers and coat in sugar. Fill with 1 teaspoon cupuaçu sweet. Make a small ball and close, coat in sugar once again and leave to dry overnight. Melt the chocolate in bain marie and dip the balls so that they are completely coated. Leave to dry and then wrap.
http://www.amazon.com.br/negociosnopara/produtos.htm#Cupuaçu
http://www.informacaonutricional.net/nutricao/polpa-do-cupuacu-tabela-valor/
http://www.suapesquisa.com/frutas/cupuacu.htm
http://www.sitecurupira.com.br/aliment_saudavel/cupuacu.htm
http://www.ceplac.gov.br/radar/cupua%C3%A7uzeiro.htm
http://www.bioware.com.br/noticia-detalhe.aspx?id=10
