Sapucaia. Sapucaia nut, Paradise nut, Monkey nut

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil  Seed | Edible Uses: OilSeed - raw. Of excellent quality[46 ]. Rich in oil, they are similar to the Brazil nut in size and shape[301 ]. When ripe, the ivory-white kernels have a delicious flavour with a soft, almost creamy texture[63 , 301 ]. The seeds are said to be sweeter than Brazil nuts, with a superior flavour and easier to digest[63 ]. A very nutritious seed, containing about 63% oil or fat and 20% protein[63 ]. Seeds are about 5cm long and 2.5cm thick[63 ]. The shell is thin and easily broken, when quite fresh, however, this shell is said to contain a poisonous principle[63 ]. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed[63 ]. Pale yellow in colour, suggestive of almond oil in both taste and smell[63 ].

Cultivation

Management: Standard  Regional Crop  Staple Crop: Protein-oilA plant of the hot, humid, lowland tropics[335 ]. Probably not very fussy as to soil type[63 ]. Prefers a deep, rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil[307 ]. Prefers a sunny position[63 , 307 ]. Unlike the related Brazil nut, which only produces its seeds towards the top of the tree, this species can fruit right down to the lower branches[63 ]. It has been estimated that individual trees could produce about 80 kilos of seeds per year[63 ]. The seeds take 18 months to mature after flowering[200 ]. The fruits, which are suspended from the ends of branches, develop a perfectly fitting 'lid', which drops off as the nuts ripen, thus scattering the seeds[63 , 200 ]. These fruits have been used as monkey traps. A bait is placed inside the empty fruit, which the monkey puts its hand inside to grab and then finds it cannot withdraw its hand (unless it releases the bait of course)[200 ].

Known Hazards

Possible toxic seed

Habitats

Humid fertile lowlands and river valleys[307 ].