Babassu (Attalea speciosa)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

An important crop in Northern Brazil for its wide range of uses, Babassu or Attalea speciosa is a monoecious, evergreen feather palm of up to 15-20 m tall with a trunk diameter of 40-50 cm. It has a dense crown composed of 15-20 large leaves. Babassu seed kernel is used as treatment for rheumatism and fever. Oil obtained from the seeds is used as cooking oil and for making butter. It is also used in making soap and candle.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Oil, Fruit, Nuts, Palm heart, Cabbage, Sap. A good quality cooking oil is extracted from the seeds . It can be used to make a butter. Seeds - raw or cooked. They can be eaten as a snack or made into a nut milk. — Edible portion: Oil, Fruit, Nuts, Palm heart, Cabbage, Sap.; A good quality cooking oil is extracted from the seeds.; It can be used to make a butter.; Seeds - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Primary rainforest, usually becoming the dominant species. Lowland areas, sometimes forming thickets of thousands of plants in warm and damp areas. The plant also regenerates vigorously in open areas. (Zone 10)