Ackee is the red pear shaped fruit of a tropical African tree, related to the lychee. Inside, it has large shiny black seeds surrounded by creamy white flesh. It was supposedly brought to the West Indies by Captain Bligh of the Bounty, and has since become a leading feature of Caribbean cuisine. Its main role is as an accompaniment to salt fish. The name ackee is of African origin.
The ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica. With a pink-orange shell on the outside, the edible fruit is a pale yellow, which gets intense when it receives heat.The fruit is highly toxic due to a poisonous gas called hypoglycine, which dissipates naturally when the fruit ripens and opens like a flower. However, its taste is so unique and special.
Nutritional Value Of The Ackee
- It is rich in essential fatty acids. Linoleic, stearic, palmitic acid, omega 3 and 6.
- It is a great source of vitamins. Vitamin A, B and C.
- Pose a high content of minerals. Zinc, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.
- It is rich in proteins.
- It has a high content of carbohydrates.
- It is a great source of soluble fiber.
- It does not have saturated fats.
Therapeutic Benefits of Ackee
- Eliminate parasites . In some countries, such as Brazil, a small dose of aqueous extract of the vegetable seed is used to expel parasites.
- Low fever . In Cuba, the pulp of ripe ackee is mixed with sugar and cinnamon to prepare a very effective natural remedy to reduce fever, which is used as a treatment for dysentery.
- Calm the pain . The inhabitants of Ivory Coast, have known for centuries that ackee bark mixed with spicy spices, turns out to be a very effective ointment to alleviate the pain caused mainly by insect bites.
- Relieves headache . The fresh leaves of the ackee tree are crushed and applied as compresses on the forehead to relieve severe headache.
- Heal the wounds . Leaves crushed with salt, are usually placed on ulcers and wounds to heal quickly.
- Relieves eyes . The juice of the vegetable sesa leaves is used as drops to calm the allergy and in case of conjunctivitis.
- Improves digestion . In Colombia, tea is prepared with its leaves to relieve stomach cramps and nausea.
How To Prepare The Ackee
As I said in previous paragraphs, it is very important that you remember that this fruit can only be consumed when it is mature . How do you know when it reaches maturity? You just have to observe that cracks or cracks appear in the back of the seeds that let their seeds appear.
You can consume it:
- With scrambled eggs.
- Like sauce of cod, shrimp or crab.
- In vegetable stir-fries.
- In stews and stews.
- In soups.
- As an accompaniment to dishes with rice.
