Pequi Fruit: What is it? Its make bad? fatten? is it rowing? benefits and income

Pequi oil , which is extracted from the fruit, is also used as a cooking oil. An oil extracted from the seeds of Pequi  is also used as an edible oil.

What is pequi?

The Pequi , also known as pequizeiro, piqui, piquiá and pequiá, is a species of tree in the cariocaraceae family of the Brazilian cerrado.

Fruto de Pequi  is a very popular meal in Goiás and Minas Gerais, and can be eaten alone or with other foods.

pequi football

The pequi tree or pequizeiro is a tree with a leafy crown that can reach 12 meters in height.

Its leaves are large, each one composed of three large leaflets, covered with down and with jagged edges.

Its pulp has twice as much vitamin C as an orange and is also rich in vitamins A , E and carotenoids.

Its fruit is the size of an apple and has a green skin. There is a lump inside, covered with soft yellow edible pulp.

Under the pulp there is a layer of very fine spines, so care must be taken when cooking the pequi . Underneath the thorns is a soft, delicious almond.

The fruit production season runs from September to January. It can take up to a year for the pequi to germinate, but less than half of the seeds germinate.

Pequi fruit or not?

Pequi is a traditional fruit from the Cerrado, harvested from September to January, but due to the mild climate, outdated vintages often occur.

The pequiseiro begins to produce at four years and continues to flower for a longer time.

Pequi or Pequi fruit is rich in vitamins: vitamin A , vitamin C and vitamin E , healthy fiber and fat, it is good for immunity, vision and skin, and helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels and other benefits.

Recent studies have shown the importance of “ pequi fruit ” in reducing free radicals that contribute to the formation of chronic and inflammatory diseases.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, the most common recipe for pequi is rice .

The trick to taste this typical dish is to fry pequi, garlic , onion and salt in olive oil. Then cook the rice normally. So yes, Pequi is a fruit .

Such factors make the fruit an ally in the fight against aging and in the prevention of diseases associated with vision.

But the benefits go further: its almond is used in the manufacture of a rich oil that has anti-inflammatory, healing and gastro-protective action.

Nutritional Value of Pequi:

The nutritional value of pequi is diverse. Pequi is a fruit rich in many nutrients, such as Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A , Vitamin B1 , Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C , Copper , Iron , Phosphorus, Magnesium , Potassium and Sodium. in addition to these nutrients, it is also rich in beta-carotene.

Pequi Nutritional Table:

Next, see the pequi nutritional table , every 100g of pequi pulp contains these nutrients.

Benefits of Pequi

Heart Health

Pequi has a very high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are the same compounds found in nuts, olives and beneficial organic compounds that help lower blood cholesterol levels and protect our heart .

Oleic, linoleic and stearic acid are found in pequi fruit, which all improve oxidation effects in the body, which means less cholesterol builds up in the walls of arteries and blood vessels, thus protecting our cardiovascular systems from atherosclerosis, heart attacks. , strokes and coronary heart disease.

Rich in Potassium :

The blend of vitamins and minerals, including potassium , as well as the anti-inflammatory effects of the natural acids found in the fruit, can help relieve pressure on blood vessels and relax them, thereby increasing blood flow and relieving pressure on the blood vessels. heart .

Inflammation can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can further exacerbate heart problems such as clogged cholesterol.

Anti-Flammatory Actions

A study conducted on athletes exclusively on the Pequi diet found that general inflammation of joints and muscles was reduced after training.

Which is potentially explained by the high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds found in Pequi .

This could be a natural solution for people suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Rico em Vitamina A

Pequi  is a good source of vitamin A, and as you may know, beta -carotene is one of the derivatives of vitamin A.

The content of pequi carotenoids is high, and these act as antioxidants, specifically in the eye cells.

This means that by eating the Pequi  fruit and other carotenoid-rich foods, we can improve vision, preventing macular degeneration and cataracts that are often caused by free radicals.

Benefits of Pequi for Skin

Pequi  oil can be extracted from the nut seeds within the mesocarp of the Pequi fruit .

This essential oil is often included in traditional shampoos and moisturizers in Brazil, but it is starting to gain ground in the international market as well.

In addition, the high tocopherol and vitamin A content in Pequi  means that the skin and hair are protected due to the antioxidant properties of these compounds.

Consuming pequi can keep your skin from showing blemishes, improve healing, add a rich glow to your skin , and prevent the signs of premature aging.

It has also been traditionally used to treat eczema and skin lesions.

Pequi is Rich in Fiber

Fiber is an important part of the vast majority of fruits and vegetables, and Pequi  is no exception. The high levels of fiber found in Pequi  helps improve your digestive health by adding bulk to your stool and reducing the occurrence of constipation, flatulence, cramping and diarrhea.

Fiber also helps flush excess “bad” cholesterol from your system, further improving your heart health .

Natural Remedy For Asthma

Pequi  can be a natural solution for asthma, extract the oil from the fruit. Put 3 to 5 drops over meals, twice a day.

eye health

Pequi  is a good source of vitamin A because it is rich in carotenoids, substances that are precursors of this nutrient.

They act as an antioxidant primarily in the eyes, preventing macular degeneration and cataracts that are often caused by free radicals.

The carotenoids present in this food are carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and neoxanthine.

Among them, lutein is the compound that most acts on the structures of the eyes.

prevent cancer

Studies show that a diet rich in antioxidant foods, such as Pequi  , can prevent several types of cancer.

That’s because they fight free radicals, compounds that lead to degeneration processes in the body’s tissues, in addition to causing mutations that can lead to cancer.

Prevent premature aging

Free radicals are also responsible for skin aging , so consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as pequi, is beneficial to prevent premature aging and improve skin elasticity .

Prevent Joint Pain

Reduction of joint damage in athletes The anti-inflammatory properties of Pequi  are allies of athletes.

In a study in which athletes were submitted to a diet with high amounts of Pequi  , there was a reduction of inflammation in the joints and muscles, something that commonly occurs after prolonged or intense training.

fight stress

Athletes usually suffer from physical stress and this causes the production of free radicals to be greater.

Pequi  oil helps improve oxidative stress, muscle inflammation and prevents DNA damage.

Pequi fattening?

Pequi fattening ? or Pequi lose weight? Let’s clarify all doubts about whether Pequi really gets fat or not.

According to the nutritional value of pequi mentioned above, we can see that the calories in pequi pulp are very high, reaching 203 calories in just 100 grams of fruit.

It should be consumed in moderation, because from these data, it is clear that the pequi will gain weight.

Some people who live in regions of Brazil where it is common, easily found, usually use its oil in the preparation of recipes.

Although it is a “good fat”, of vegetable origin, with properties similar to extra virgin olive oil , its exaggerated consumption will considerably change the scales up.

For consumers of the fruit and its derivatives, who still had doubts about whether pequi is fattening or Peque emagrece , it is clear that, because it is a caloric fruit, the consumption of pequi is fattening .

Consumers of pequi and its derivatives still have doubts as to whether pequi makes you fat or lose weight, because, obviously, because it is a fruit with a high caloric value, eating it will increase the amount of calories, that is, pequi will gain weight.

pequi thorn

Is pequi thorn dangerous? how to avoid problems? These are some doubts about the consumption of pequi and especially about Espinho de pequi .

Is this the first time you are going to consume the pequi? so relax the first time you try. It shouldn’t be bitten because it’s a real minefield. It is not by chance that in Tupi-Guarani (Tupi-Guarani) pequi means “fruit with thorns in the seed”.

The pequi is the fruit of the pequi tree, a tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado.

It is also known as piqui, piquiá-bravo, almond-de-thorn, pequi-do-cerrado and pequiá, among other names.

The largest producing states are  Bahia  ,  Minas Gerais  ,  Tocantins  ,  Goiás  and  Mato Grosso  .

Inside there is a pit covered by a yellowish pulp, edible and soft.

This pulp surrounds a layer of spines, called a woody endocarp, and the seed.

In nature, the pequi represents several natural consumers, they are seed dispersants, such as voles, cavy, paca, capybara, maned wolf and tapirs.

Therefore, with such great demand for this fruit, protecting its embryos is of utmost importance for the maintenance of the species.

so, be very careful with the pequi thorns when consuming the fruit.

Recipes for pequi with rice

Pequi with traditional rice

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of rice tea
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of oil or lard
• 1/2 liter of washed pequi
• 2 cloves of garlic squeezed
• 4 cups of hot water
• salt to taste
• Chili pepper or chili pepper to taste
• Parsley, chopped chives to taste

How to make:

1. Put the pequi in the oil or cold fat (if you use the whole fruit, you don’t need to cut it, but be careful with the pit).
2. Add the garlic and onion and let it sauté over low heat, always stirring with a wooden spoon so it doesn’t stick to the pan, and splash a little water when necessary.
3. When the pequi is already soft and the water has dried, add the rice and let it fry a little.
4. Add the water and salt.
5. When the rice is almost ready, add the chili pepper or chilli to taste.
6. When serving, sprinkle the rice with parsley and chives and a little pepper.

Pequi with plain rice

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of boiling water
• 1 cup of rice
• 2 tablespoons of canola oil
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of Pequi
• 1 small onion
• chilli to taste
• black pepper to taste
• salt to taste

How to make:

1. To make this simple pequi rice recipe , start by frying the onion , finely chopped garlic and pequi.
2. After the golden onion , add the rice , the remaining seasonings and let the rice fry .
3. Add the boiling water and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover and let it rest.
4. Your pequi rice is ready to serve. I hope you enjoyed this pequi rice recipe.

Pequi with Rice and Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons of oil
• 1kg chicken thighs and thighs
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 9 cups (tea) hot water
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cups of rice ( washed and drained )
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1/2 chopped chili pepper
• 300g canned whole pequi
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Chopped green chili for sprinkling

How to make:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over high heat and brown the chicken pieces seasoned with the garlic , salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken broth and cover with 2 cups (tea) of the hot water.
3. Cook with the lid on for 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the water dries up.
4. Add onion , rice , turmeric, pepper and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Pour the remaining hot water, the pequi, the tomato, adjust the salt and cook over low heat with the pan semi-covered until the water is almost dry and the rice is cooked.
6. Turn off the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 10 minutes.
7. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Is Pequi in Canned good?

Pequi in Conserva is a good way to consume it all year round. remembering that the pequi season runs from September to January, so one way to have it available throughout the year is Pequi in Conserva .

Canning is a method of preserving food that prevents its rapid deterioration and keeps it suitable for use for a longer time.

How to store the pequi ? Let’s see below a Pequi Recipe in Preserves .

Canned Pequi Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 24 pequis
• Kitchen oil
• Sal
• Water

How to make:

1. Boil the pequis in water and salt.
2. Allow to drain well until dry.
3. Put the oil to heat.
4. Place the pequis in the hot oil so that it takes on the flavor.
5. Then just put it in a container with a lid.

Pequi oil in capsules

Pequi oil in capsules is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and its benefits have been proven in several years of research.

It is extracted from pequi seeds and cultivated in large quantities in Brazil for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Pequi is an excellent ingredient in cooking, but not everyone likes its distinctive flavor or aroma.

The use of pequi oil in the capsule helps those who do not like the taste of the fruit.

Anyone can take it every day. It is recommended to take two 400 mg capsules a day, but it is important to know that all herbs should be used in moderation.

Is Pequi Remomos? are there contraindications?

Calm down, let’s answer if Pequi is oar or if it has contraindications with its consumption.

The pequi is not rowing and has no contraindications. However, due to its high caloric value, especially pequi oil , it is not recommended for people who want to lose weight.