Acrocomia aculeata

© Jose Reynaldo da Fonseca

Acrocomia aculeata

Common name:
Macaw palm, Macaúba

Local name:
Bocaiúva, Coco-babão

Country:
Brazil

Food Group(s):
Fruit

Part of plant/stage of process:
pulp, raw

The macauba fruit is rich in lipid, fiber, and proteins. Although the nut can be roasted and eaten on it's own, various studies also show potential alternative for cooking oils as extracted from the kernel and pulp. The macauba palm trunk can be extracted/milked to produce macauba palm wine. In addition, the trunk has significant amounts of starch that is also used as a baking ingredient.