Unlike guaraná, açaí and cupuaçu, the Amazonian bacuri fruit is still little known in Brazil and abroad. Despite this, it is a food rich in minerals, fiber and proteins.
But in addition to the pulp, the bark and seeds of bacurize can also be used in food and medicine, respectively. While the external part yields recipes such as cream, a healing and anti-inflammatory oil is extracted from the seeds .
Bacuri is still drawing the attention of industries, as its aroma has been extracted to be used in yogurts.
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What is bacuri for?
The pulp of this fruit is formed by 76.65% of water and 23.35% of dry matter. In the latter case, the following substances are mainly included: crude protein and crude fiber .
Helps in growth
In order for us to grow strong and healthy, some nutrients are needed, such as calcium. In 100 grams of the pulp, we find 20 milligrams of the mineral.
For this reason, Amazonian fruit is an excellent food for growing children. In addition to strengthening bones , the mineral also contributes to healthier teeth.
Regulates the bowel
To bid farewell to lazy bowels and fearsome constipation , the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating 25 grams of fiber a day.
This compound is part of 9.37% of the pulp and 23.07% of the husk, so they become good sources of fiber and allies for the health of the intestine and digestion.
In fact, the fibers are not digestible, but they contribute to peristaltic movements and the elimination of feces, as they are not dissolved in water.
Provides energy to the body
Bacuri is more caloric than cupuaçu, offering 105 calories for every 100 grams. Thus, it is perfect for those who need more energy in their daily lives. Just don’t overdo it, because in excess it can make you fat.
Another element that also acts as an energy generator is the carbohydrate, a carbohydrate found in the pulp of this fruit. To give you an idea, in 100 grams there are 22.80 grams of carbohydrates.
Fights inflammation and acts as a healing agent
Both the butter extracted from the fruit and the oil from the seeds are considered to be anti-inflammatory and healing . Both are indicated to help treat skin problems and burns .
All this thanks to the action of three basic compounds, they are: xanthones, euxanthone and garcinielliptone FC.
Protect the cells
Last but not least, the antioxidant action found in the pulp and peel of this food, due to the presence of vitamin C , flavonoids, anthocyanins and polyphenols.
All of these compounds help cells fight free radical attacks. Thus, they prevent cell damage and its consequences such as degenerative diseases, premature aging and heart problems.
Fruit cream: how to make it?
Traditionally, bacuri cream is a recipe full of calories because, in addition to fruit, the other ingredients are condensed milk, sugar and heavy cream.
However, it is possible to invest in a lighter version , substituting the dish items for their less caloric and healthier alternatives. Follow up!
- 400 g of berry pulp
- 1 can of light condensed milk
- 1 can of light cream
- 200 ml of skimmed milk
- Brown or demerara sugar to taste
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Then just take it to the freezer and wait for at least an hour.
Another recipe: jam or jelly
Also called jam, this recipe also uses more caloric items, but they can be easily replaced. Look!
- 600 g of polpa
- two cups of water
- Three cups of brown or demerara sugar
- Peels of a lemon.
In a pan, place the pulp together with the water and sugar. Expect to cook for 15 or 20 minutes. Finish by adding the lemon rinds and let it boil until you get a dense syrup.
Once you’re done, pour it into a glass container and allow it to cool. Refrigerate and serve only when chilled.
Bacuri Curiosities
Most of this fruit is formed by the skin (60%), then the stone (18%) and, finally, the pulp (12%). But as we have seen, all these components are useful for humans, whether in food or health.
It is also worth mentioning that to consume the peel of this fruit, it is necessary to cook it beforehand so that the abundant resins can be eliminated in the boiling process.
Tree origin
The Amazon is the place of origin of the bacurize tree, but it is also born spontaneously in regions of the Brazilian Northeast. Maranhão and Piauí are the main states where the fruit can be found.
Name meaning
The name bacuri comes from Tupi, where “ba” means to fall and “kury” means logo. Thus, there is a reference to the fruit of the plant that falls shortly after ripening. Its scientific name is Platonia insignis Mart .
Where to buy?
Every day this Amazonian fruit is gaining more space in supermarkets and fairs . But the easiest way to find it is through industrialized pulp.
Meanwhile, the oil extracted from the seeds can be purchased at pharmacies or online health food stores.
Types of bacuris
The bacu tree has many relatives, they are:
- smooth Bacuripari
- Bacuri, bacuripari
- bacuri mirim
- Thorn bacuri.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.