Green Drink Reviews

Cupuaçu, The Next Craze from Brazil

March 29th, 2008

Cupuaçu (pronounced koo-poo-ah-soo) is a fruit that grows in the Amazon region from a tree that often exceeds 50 feet and is related to the cacao tree (from which chocolate is derived). Like the cacao, the seeds of the cupuaçu are often ground into a fine powder and used in drinks and baked goods. The fruit produces an oil that is used in both the natural health and cosmetics industries. The fruit has even been used as a substitute for cacao in the production of chocolate. Like cacao, the cupuaçu tree is quite sensitive and prone to disease.

The smell of the cupuaçu fruit is strong…so strong that many consider it to be overbearing, but the taste is unlike anything else. It has a tangy, berry-like flavor, but with a hint of chocolate. It is my brother-in-law’s favorite flavor of ice cream and it can now be found in superfood and antioxidant products in the United States and Europe.

The cupuaçu fruit can be found all over Brazil, but is mostly encountered in the northern regions. It’s not as sweet as some other tropical fruits, but is nevertheless used in baked goods, juices, ice cream and even alcoholic beverages. It’s high in fat and vitamins B1, B2, and C. Plus, it has protein, calcium, and iron. It is used as a natural energy enhancement due to its caffeine content (which is less than chocolate).

The aboriginal people of the Amazon Region have used cupuaçu for centuries to treat abdominal pain and it’s used today in cosmetics in skin creams, hydrating lotions, lipstick, bath oils, soap, and natural sun screen lotions. It is already being produced and commercialized in Japan for use in cosmetics and could well become the next craze for juices and healthfood drinks. I’m waiting for the cupuaçu ice cream to arrive!

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