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Introduction of Jatoba Fruit

            Scientific name - Hymenaea courbaril

Jatoba is endemic to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The tree’s wood is used for manufacturing quality furniture and decorative items. Jatoba is otherwise popularly known as Brazilian cherry or South American cherry. The tree actually does not bear a cherry but its legume belongs to Fabaceae family.

About Fruit

The edible pulp which appears like a soluble fiber is present inside the tough shell that is capable of getting readily dissolved in water/milk. On consuming raw fruit it may tend to stick in the mouth and some people add sugar to get more enhanced sweet flavor. The fruit contains high source of starch and proteins.

Nutritional Value of Jatoba Fruit

Calories	309
H2O	14.6 g
Protein	5.9 g
Fat	2.2 g
Total Carbohydrate	75.3 g
Fiber	13.4 g
Ash	2.0 g
Ca	28 mg
P	143 mg
Fe	3.2 mg
Thiamine	0.23 mg
Riboflavin	0.14 mg
Niacin	4.1 mg
Ascorbic acid	11 mg

Herbal Medicine Uses

The fruit is majorly used for treating mouth ulcers and diabetes. It also helps in aiding respiratory ailments such as asthma, laryngitis, and bronchitis. Jatoba is considered as a medicine meant for healing hemorrhages, bursitis, bladder infections, arthritis, prostatitis, yeast and fungal infections.

Culture of Jatoba Fruit

The tree grows well under a full sun or a partial shade in the moist soil and humid atmosphere. The species has to be planted in frost free locations.

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