Jucara Palm (Euterpe edulis)

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

Jucara Palm or Euterpe edulis, otherwise known as jussara, acai-do-sul, or palmiteiro, is a tall, tropical palm tree primarily used for its palm heart. It grows usually about 10 m tall and 12 cm across. The trunk is light grey or brown in colour, and has prominent rings of leaf base scars. The leaves are dark green and have fine and feathery leaflets along the stalk. The fruits are small, round, and black to brown.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Crunchy, with a sweet flavour.; A tropical delicacy, they can also be eaten raw in salads.; A highly prized dish, often called 'Millionaires salad' due to its price.

Habitat & North American Range

An understorey tree of swampy ground in high rainfall forests, at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres. (Zone 9)