Breadnut. Maya nut

Brosimum alicastrum

Physical Characteristics

Brosimum alicastrum is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana; C. America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Drink Gum Milk Seed - raw or cooked[301 ]. The raw seed has some bitterness[335 ], whilst the roasted seed develops a nutty, cacao-like flavour[301 ]. An agreeable and nourishing food with a flavour similar to hazel nuts[63 ]. The seed can also be boiled and mashed like potatoes, or made into juice and marmalade[301 ]. The ground up seeds can be made into a mash to mix with corn when making tortillas[301 ]. When steeped in water, the seeds make a coffee-like beverage[46 , 301 ]. The seed is the size of a small chestnut[63 ]. The seed is produced inside a yellow fruit about 25mm in diameter - each fruit contains one seed[63 ]. The yellow or orange fruit has a sweet, thin edible flesh surrounding the large seed[307 ]. A sweet, agreeable flavour[303 ]. The globose fruit is 15 - 20mm in diameter[369 ]. The milky latex, which flows freely when the trunk is cut, resembles cream and when diluted with water is said to afford a substitute for cow's milk[301 , 303 , 331 ]. The latex is also mixed with chicle[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Mouthwash There is a belief in Yucatan that if the seeds are eaten by nursing women the flow of milk is increased[331 ]. The latex is mixed with water, warmed and drunk as a treatment for dry coughs and for itchy sore throat[348 ]. The latex is applied directly on sores in the mouth and other parts of the body for healing[348 ].

Known Hazards

None known