Fruits from the Amazon: 10 gems you need to know

Have you ever stopped to think about the different fruits from the Amazon ? The Amazon biome is very rich and beautiful, known worldwide for being the largest tropical forest and with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. There are several species of animals and plants that form a unique ecosystem in the region.

Therefore, in addition to all the environmental and cultural benefits related to the forest, it is worth knowing that it also provides several delicacies and foods that are superior in nutrients . However, many people are not aware of the alternatives originating in the region, or the health benefits they provide.

With this in mind, we prepared this content to present 11 Amazon fruits that you need to know. We also list other interesting delicacies and show how to include these ingredients in your diet. Don't miss it!

10 fruits from the Amazon that are worth knowing

First, it is interesting to know that preparing a list of Amazonian fruits is not a simple task: in the forest region located in Brazil, 44% of the 500 species of fruits considered native to the country are concentrated . However, there are some options that stand out for their everyday application and the nutritional benefits they provide.

Therefore, we have separated 11 of the main alternatives, explaining the characteristics of each fruit. It should be noted that this is not a complete nutritional table, but we have listed the main nutrients to help you understand the benefits they provide. Want to know more? So check it out!

1. Acai

Açaí has ​​become better known in recent years, mainly as a refreshing sweet in various parts of the country. It originates from the Amazon, being the fruit of a palm tree with multiple trunks traditional to the region . In fact, the plant also allows the extraction of palm hearts.

It is worth knowing that açaí trees grow in bunches and can bloom at any time of the year, but with greater maturation intensity during the period from July to December. Although it is not common to see the fruit in many places, it is a small, fleshy purple ball. See some important characteristics and nutrients of this fruit:

• calcium;
• iron;
• proteins;
• fibers;
• antioxidants.

Despite its common use as a sweet, it is worth knowing that in the North region the traditional way of consuming it is pure, in savory dishes. For example, it can accompany portions of fried fish. This is because fresh açaí is practically free of sugar/sweetness. The sweet flavor that we know in açaí is added through syrups and sugars.

2. Cocoa

The cocoa tree originates from the Amazon and has long leaves that are initially reddish, but turn green over time. The fruits can reach 30 cm in length , with pulp and several seeds inside — between 20 and 50.

Without a doubt, cocoa is known throughout the world. After all, it is the main ingredient in chocolate, as well as having other applications in gastronomy and the cosmetic industry. But did you know that fruit is also among the richest, healthiest and most complete in nature? Among the nutrients are:

• calcium;
• phosphor;
• iron;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• vitamins C and E;
• fibers;
• magnesium;
• anandamide (helps release dopamine, which generates a feeling of well-being);
• antioxidants.

3. Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu is another typical fruit of the region, and is even a 'cousin' of cocoa. The tree usually measures between 10 and 15 meters in height, requiring very firm and fertile soil to develop. It is worth knowing that the fruit is quite large: it can measure up to 25 cm and weigh more than 1 kg .

The white pulp can be used for ice cream, juices and sweets. Furthermore, the seeds are widely used — even replacing cocoa in chocolates. This part of the fruit is considered very noble, concentrating several nutrients. Check out the main ones:

• vitamins A, B1, B2 and C;
• antioxidants;
• iron;
• phosphor;
• calcium;
• proteins;
• mineral salts;
• pectin.

4. Coconut

Coconut is not an Amazonian fruit, but it is also present in the region . It is well known in its various forms: the green coconut is usually popular on beaches, as its water is great for our hydration. Dried fruit can be consumed pure or be part of different preparations, especially sweets.

Extracting its oil is also quite common, as it can be used in both gastronomy and the cosmetics industry. Coconut milk is obtained from a process of pressing mature coconuts. In any case, the fruit is quite rich in nutrients , such as:

• TCM (C8 and C10);
• Lauric Acid (C12);
• fibers;
• proteins;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• phosphor;
• zinc.

5. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are also typical of the Amazon. This is the seed of a spherical and somewhat flattened fruit , with a very hard and woody shell, called hedgehog. It usually measures between 10 and 25 cm and can have around 15 seeds inside.

The most common thing is that it is consumed fresh and without salt . However, it can be toasted and used in different preparations, such as breads, salads, desserts and others. Among its nutrients, some that stand out are:

• vitamins B and E;
• proteins;
• fibers;
• selenium;
• magnesium;
• phosphor;
• zinc;
• antioxidants.

6. Taperebá

Another option that cannot be left out of the list of Amazonian fruits is the taperebá, which you may know as cajá, caju-manga, acajá or other names . The size is similar to that of a small plum, but it has a yellow color and the pit is the largest part of this fruit.

As it already has a greater distribution throughout Brazil, it is common to find it throughout the year, but especially between December and June. In addition to its natural success , the fruit can be used in jellies, sweets, juices and other desserts. Regarding nutrients, some of the main ones are:

• vitamins C, A and B;
• fibers;
• calcium;
• iron;
• phosphor.

7. Bacuri

This is a fruit that comes from the bacurizeiro, an Amazonian tree that can reach 25 meters . The plant is highly sought after for timber extraction. The fruits are popular among the local population, and the benefits it provides have attracted people from all regions.

Bacuri has a very hard and thick skin, but the pulp is white, softer and sweeter. Therefore, it can be consumed in its natural form, in addition to being used in various sweet preparations, such as juices, cakes and others . A curious fact is that, in its native region, the fruit is considered a natural medicine — and its nutrients justify this impression, check it out:

• vitamins C and B2;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• iron;
• zinc;
• phosphor
• magnesium;
• fibers;
• antioxidants.

8. Soursop

When talking about Amazonian fruits, soursop is not left out. This is a white and very creamy fruit, with small black seeds. From the outside, however, it may not seem so attractive: green and protected with thorns. However, it is quite tasty.

In Brazil, it can also be known as Jaca do Pará due to its appearance . Furthermore, in the North and Northeast it is known for its health benefits. The leaves of the plant are widely used in the preparation of tea.

The fruit can be consumed pure or in different preparations, with the low calorie content as a distinguishing feature. In addition, it has several nutrients, such as:

• vitamin C;
• calcium;
• iron;
• phosphor;
• fibers;
• antioxidants;
• magnesium;
• potassium.

9. Muruci

Muruci (or murici) can be found in several places in Brazil, but it originates in the Amazon — where it is most common. This is a small, yellow fruit, rounded and with a very fleshy pulp.

Still, when looking for it, it is also possible to come across the names murici-da-praia and murici-do-brejo. Murici is known for its therapeutic properties and high nutritional value , as it is a source of:

• vitamins C, K and B;
• fibers;
• calcium;
• flavonoids,
• phosphor;
• iron.

Murici is also rich in good fats for the body, it can be consumed in different types of sweets and desserts, as well as fresh .

10. Bacaba

Another interesting food on the list of Amazonian fruits is bacaba. It is similar to açaí, considering its flavor and most striking characteristics — it comes in bunches, with a dark purple skin, and is the fruit of a popular palm tree in the region, preferring a hot climate to develop. However, he is not well known in the country.

The fruit has a pulp used in various preparations, but also allows the extraction of oil and almonds . In the North region, the pulp is widely used to make wine. Rich in good fats, it also brings a series of nutrients, such as:

• fibers.
• lipids;
• proteins.

Bonus: discover other delicacies from the Amazon

In addition to the Amazonian fruits you learned about, there are other delicacies in the region that provide health benefits and can enrich your diet. Therefore, it is interesting to learn about these alternatives to identify more ways to take advantage of nutrients from the Amazon biome in your diet.

Check out!

Yanomami Mushrooms

This is a generic name for a mix that can contain up to 15 different types of mushrooms in its composition . The name refers to the indigenous people who became known for cultivating the different species of mushrooms that are part of the delicacy.

Baniwa Pepper

The Baniwa pepper is also a mix of different options: there are 78 peppers harvested by women from the Baniwa tribe, in the Amazon . On site, they are used as protection. However, the delicacy is also beneficial for health, with anti-inflammatory action, heart protection and other advantages.

How to include Amazonian Fruits in your diet?

Learning about so many fruit options from the Amazon and the benefits they provide, it is common to wonder how to include them in your diet. After all, it is interesting to take advantage of the benefits for the body, especially since many of them are known for their medicinal effects.

In this sense, know that there are several options to use Amazonian fruits in your eating routine. For example, it is possible to look for specialized producers and markets that can supply them or make specific preparations available from them .

However, it is not always easy to have access to so many options, especially on a recurring basis. The good news is that there are other more practical alternatives on the market, which can guarantee all the benefits that these fruits provide for your body.

There are nutritional supplements focused on different types of foods — including seeking to work on regenerative nutrition from fruits and delicacies from the Amazon biome. Therefore, it is worth researching the possibilities to ensure the inclusion of these sources of nutrients in your routine.

As you have seen throughout this content, there are several fruits from the Amazon that can be part of your diet and provide benefits for your health. However, it is interesting to research the alternatives available in your region to discover the most practical ways to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of these delicacies .

So, did you enjoy learning more about these fruits? Take the opportunity to share this content on social media so that more people get to know the delicacies that the Amazon biome provides for our food!