Cupuaçu, the New Brazilian Super Fruit

Over recent years there has been an increase in the interest of finding natural fruits that provide a large amount of health benefits in one serving. One popular fruit you may have already been exposed to is the açai berry from the Brazilian rainforest. The cupuaçu (pronounced "coo poo uh sue") fruit, also from Brazil, is found to have similar health benefits but is not yet as popular as the açai berry.

Although used for years by the indigenous people of Brazil, it is only recently that Americans have begun to show an interest in this unique fruit. It is sweeter than the açai berry and is commonly used in Brazilian desserts such as ice cream. The fruit is so newly discovered in America that it is nearly impossible to find anywhere except the internet. The company Fruta Vida actually sells a drink that combines both the açai berry and cupuaçu fruit.

Neimo Trading offers cupuaçu products online that range from frozen pulp to butter. Jams, jellies, tarts and other sweets are also commonly made from cupuaçu fruit. Products combining the cupuaçu fruit with other powerful antioxidant rich foods and herbs are also common.

The fruit of the cupuaçu tree resembles a large melon sized cocoa bean and in fact is closely related to the cacao plant. Their exterior is brown, fuzzy and hard similar to a coconut. The inside of the fruit's shell holds about 30% pulp which is white and creamy. It is said to have a wonderful and unique scent as well as taste. Cupuaçu fruit actually have a taste similar to chocolate although it shares little more than the same genus, cocoa.

The Japanese have been importing more and more of this valuable fruit each year. In 2002 they imported roughly 50 tons from Brazil and today they are bringing more than 200 tons a year into Japan. The Japanese have commercialized this amazing fruit and make "chocolate" with it. This type of Cupuaçu chocolate has long been known in Brazil as cupulate, although the Japanese businessman Nagasawa Makoto owns the patent rights in both Japan and America.

So what's in the cupuaçu fruit that gives it super fruit status? The fruit contains 11 known flavanoids and claims to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. It contains high levels of phytonutrients which add to its powerful antioxidant properties. The cupuaçu fruit is also rich in the types of fatty acids that support a healthy cholesterol level. The fiber content of the cupuaçu is high and it also contains the B vitamins as well as vitamins A and C.

Although it is unknown why, cupuaçu fruit has also been linked to providing a healthy immune system and healthy-looking skin. Others claim it increases stamina and libido while naturally providing energy. The seed found in the center of the fruit has been used by native Brazilians to aid with stomach problems as well as difficult births.

Sooner or later the cupuaçu fruit will make its debut in American stores near you. Give it a try and you'll see why the Brazilians have been trying to hide it from us all these years.