Pochote (Ceiba aesculifolia)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Found in Central America, Pochote (Ceiba aesculifolia) is a tropical deciduous tree with a thick, short bole and spreading crown. It reaches up to 25 m tall. Young fruit and ripe seeds are edible when cooked - ripe fruits are stewed and seeds are roasted.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Fruit, Seeds. Young leaves - cooked Ripe fruits are eaten stewed. The young tender fruits are sometimes cooked and eaten. Seeds - roasted. — Edible portion: Fruit, Seeds.; Young leaves - cooked Ripe fruits are eaten stewed.; The young tender fruits are sometimes cooked and eaten.; Seeds - roasted.

Habitat & North American Range

Chiefly on dry plains or hillsides, mainly at elevations up to 1,500 metres. A rare species found in low, dry deciduous forests from Mexico to Costa Rica . (Zone 10)