If Theobroma Cacao (aka. Chocolate) is the Food of the Gods, then this must be food of the Goddesses!
Allow me to introduce you to the sister tree to Cacao:
Cupuacau ("coo poo ah sue") Theobroma Grandiflorum.
“Cupuaçu” may not yet be a household word to you, but here's a small wonder: some 40,000 species of plants grow in the Amazon! Can you remember when “Açai” was new to us all ?
It’s the human condition: not knowing, then discovering, and then LOVING. And in the case of Cupuacu...where have you been all my life???
So apart from being a relative to Cacao (how sweet?!) what is is that makes Cupuaçu stand out from the crowd?
There is a tall tree scattered throughout the rainforests of Brazil that grows a brownish almond shaped fruit that is about the size of a cantaloupe. This fruit is familiar to all the animals and they rely on its creamy sweet pulp for energy and vitality.
Like so many amazing morsels from the Amazon (think Camu Camu, Cacao, and of course Acai!) Cupuacu is well worth a taste! Also like so many "un-disovered" gems on our planet, Cupuacu has been a primary food for generations for the Indigenous peoples and local communities along the Amazon, but little known far from her home.
Of course, in this most phenomenal time we live in, Cupuacu has thankfully been discovered and is now available to us to take advantage of her benefits!
And oh does this superfruit posess benefits...
Cupuaçu’ is actually considered the most promising of all fruits from the lush Amazon and when you take a look closer that soon makes a whole lot of sense!
As a taste and culinary sensation, Cupuaçu’ whitish, creamy pulp, which has a prized exotic taste, combining elements of chocolate, bananas and passion fruit.
Yes you read right. Chocolate. Banana's AND Passionfruit mash up..all in one fruit.
The pulp is traditionally used throughout Brazil and Peru to make fresh juice, ice cream, jam, candies, tarts and liquors and the juice is drunk like an energy drink and has the same boosting effect of coffee, but without any caffeine.
Cupuacu's buttery interior.
If you were not already sold on the culinary benefits alone, it's nutritional performance is what takes Cupuaçu’ to the next level..
Compared to the popular acai berry, cupuacu has more nutrients per pound than the little berries do.
Cupuaçu’s has long been plucked and eaten for its stimulant properties that provide energy and vigor to the user. Think chocolate, but with a lot less caffeine. A small amount can be used to make a cup of a drink that is compared to hot chocolate or coffee. However, it provides the drinker with alertness without the overstimulating effects. It gives you a boost without the come down.
Cupuaçu’s calm, nourishing boost of energy will certainly bring out the Amazonian God(dess) within!
Cupuacu contains unique and potent Polyphenols (Antioxidant Phytonutrients) called Theograndins. In fact, its polyphenol count is so potent that the word was invented just to place the Cupuacu fruit into a unique nutritional class.
Add to this an abundance of 9 other powerful antioxidant, including Vitamins A and C, and Cupuacu becomes a truly full spectrum antioxidant. This incredible Superfood is also filled with Essential Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, Phosphorous, Fiber, and Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 (Niacin).
Research is currently underway to determine if Cupuacu, or the isolated Theograndins in Cupuacu, will have a place in cancer therapy due to its ability to effectively nuke colon cancer cells in laboratory tests. The beans are paticularly utilized by the indigenous Tikuna people for abdominal pains.
Many new health benefits have now been discovered... Cupuacu is believed to address:
* Anti-Aging & Age related degeneration.
* Increased Energy & Stamina
* Mental Function/Alertness
* Immune System Support
* Stabilize and Neutralize Free Radicals
* Strengthen Cardiovascular System - High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol.
* Skin Health, Rejuvenation
* Healthy Hair
* Weight Loss
* Digestive System
* Colon Health
With such a rich nutritional profile and deliciously exotic taste, it is easy to see why Cupuacu is considered such a delicacy throughout South America.
Raw organic Cupuacu powder is now sold in health food stores in a freeze-dried form.
Our Freeze-Dried Cupuacu is USDA & IBD Certified Organic, Kosher and promotes Fair Trade. Grown in fertile, well drained soil in the canopy of the Brazilian Rainforest.
How to enjoy Raw Cupuacu Powder
Cupuacu can be enjoyed in a myraid of delicioyus ways. Added to smoothies and cakes and soups to achieve unique flavor. A small amount goes a long way, so perhaps you might want to start out with a 1/4 cup in a smoothie and gauge your taste bud and nutritional needs from there.
Cupuacu is a delicious treat when added to your favorite mylk, smoothies, cereal, ice cream, or a young coconut!
Cupuaçu’s passionfruit flavor lends perfectly to smoothies, desserts and ice cream looking for an exotic edge.
We hope you enjoy experimenting plus benefiting from Cupuacu has much as we enjoy making this amazing new food available to you.
And if you have any recipes to share, we would love to hear them!!
References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/031200_Capuacu_powder_Amazon.html
