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Pequi
Caryocar brasiliense
Pequi is a distinctive Brazilian superfruit with exceptional vitamin A content and rich, creamy flesh. Rich in vitamin A (116% DV) and essential minerals, pequi supports vision health, immune wellness, and comprehensive antioxidant protection. At 87 calories per 100g with excellent nutrient density and traditional Brazilian medicinal properties, pequis are celebrated in Brazilian cuisines and increasingly valued globally. Perfect for fresh eating, traditional preparations, jams, oils, culinary applications, and comprehensive nutritional wellness.
87
Calories
1.8g
Fiber
10%
Vitamin C
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Pequi - Main View
Nutrition Facts
Calories
87
per 100g
Carbs
6.2g
per 100g
Protein
1.2g
per 100g
Fiber
1.8g
per 100g
Sugar
3.8g
per 100g
Fat
7.4g
per 100g
💊Vitamins
Per 100g
Vitamin A
116% DV
3480 IU (1044 mcg RAE)
Exceptional vision support, immune function, skin health, antioxidant defense
Vitamin C
10% DV
8 mg
Immune support, antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, nutrient absorption
Vitamin E
14% DV
2.1 mg
Skin protection, cell protection, antioxidant defense, cardiovascular health
Folate (B9)
7% DV
28 mcg
Cell division, DNA synthesis, neurological health, methylation support
⚡Minerals
Per 100g
Calcium
4% DV
52 mg
Bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting
Potassium
6% DV
284
Heart health, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, electrolyte balance
Manganese
15% DV
0.34 mg
Bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function, carbohydrate metabolism
Copper
20% DV
0.18 mg
Iron metabolism, antioxidant defense, connective tissue formation, skin health
🛡️Antioxidants
Beta-CaroteneVitamin AVitamin EVitamin CCarotenoidsPolyphenols
🌿Phytonutrients
Beta-Carotene - exceptional vitamin A precursor supporting vision, immune function, and skin health with powerful antioxidant propertiesCarotenoids - fat-soluble nutrients providing cell protection, antioxidant defense, and vision supportPolyphenols - antioxidant compounds supporting cardiovascular health and inflammation reductionPhenolic compounds - diverse antioxidants supporting cellular protection and comprehensive wellness
📊Glycemic Index
52
Per Serving
Nutrition breakdown for one serving
📏
Serving Size
100g fresh pequi
Calories
87kcal
Breakdown
Carbs
6.2g
Fiber
1.8g
6% DV
Sugar
3.8g
Protein
1.2g
Fat
7.4g
Vitamin C
💊
8mg
10% DV
Potassium
⚡
284mg
6% DV
Health Benefits
Exceptional vitamin A content (116% DV) provides robust vision support, immune function, and comprehensive cellular defense
High carotenoid and beta-carotene content support comprehensive antioxidant protection and cell health
Vitamin E (14% DV) and vitamin C (10% DV) provide additional antioxidant defense and skin health benefits
High manganese (15% DV) and copper (20% DV) support bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function, and immune response
Excellent fat content (7.4g) provides healthy fatty acids supporting nutrient absorption and cellular health
Low glycemic index (52) and load (3) support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy
Polyphenol content supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and enhances cellular protection
Traditional use in Brazilian medicine supports vision wellness, immune health, and comprehensive vitality
Potassium (6% DV) supports cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, and healthy muscle function
Exceptional nutrient-to-calorie ratio supports comprehensive nutrition and metabolic wellness
Origin & Distribution
Native Region
Brazil and Central South America
Global Presence
BrazilParaguayBoliviaTocantinsGoiasMinas GeraisBahiaCentral America
Top Producers
BrazilTocantinsGoias
Historical Background
Pequi has been valued by Brazilian indigenous peoples for centuries as both nutritious food source and traditional medicine. Deeply embedded in Brazilian culinary traditions, folk medicine systems, and cultural practices, pequi represents Brazil's rich botanical heritage and Amazon region legacy. Modern science increasingly validates traditional Brazilian knowledge about pequi's exceptional health benefits.
Peak Season
Best Time to Enjoy
Peak season October-December
3 Varieties Available
Explore Varieties
Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications
Brazilian Pequi
Brazil, Tocantins
Color
Golden yellow, smooth exterior
Taste Profile
Creamy flavor, slightly bitter notes, rich texture
Best For
Fresh eating, traditional preparations, oils
Cerrado Pequi
Goias, Central Brazil
Color
Bright golden orange
Taste Profile
Balanced sweetness, mild bitterness
Best For
Fresh eating, contemporary recipes
Premium Amazon Pequi
Amazon region
Color
Deep golden, pristine appearance
Taste Profile
Complex flavor, nuanced notes
Best For
Premium preparations, oil extraction, medicinal applications
Storage & Selection Guide
Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer
How to Choose the Perfect Fruit
1
Select golden-yellow pequis that yield slightly to gentle pressure
2
Avoid overly soft, bruised, or discolored fruits with visible damage
3
Choose fruits with smooth, intact exterior indicating ripeness and quality
4
Ripe pequis should emit pleasant, distinctive aromatic fragrance
5
Look for fruits of consistent golden color with no blemishes
Proper Storage Methods
Store fresh pequis at room temperature for 2-3 days until fully ripe
Refrigerate ripe fruits in produce drawer for up to 5 days
Freeze pequi puree in ice cube trays for up to 6 months
Dried pequi pieces store for 1+ years in airtight containers in cool, dry conditions
Extract pequi oil for long-term storage (1+ years in cool, dark conditions)
Traditional preservation: pequi pulp stores frozen for 6-8 months
Shelf Life Guide
Refrigerated
5 days in refrigerator (ripe fruit)
Average Shelf Life
5 days
Freezing Instructions
Preserve freshness for months
2-3 months
1
Wash and dry pequis thoroughly before freezing
2
Remove seed and blend flesh into smooth puree for optimal preservation
3
Freeze puree in ice cube trays or freeze whole halves separately
4
Freeze on parchment-lined trays for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bags
5
Frozen pequi maintains nutritional integrity and carotenoid potency for 6-8 months at 0°F (-18°C)
6
Thaw in refrigerator; use frozen pequi directly in smoothies or cooked preparations
Pro Tip
Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Culinary Journey
Discover delicious possibilities
Common Uses
Fresh eating as distinctive tropical snack
Traditional Brazilian culinary applications
Contemporary gourmet cuisine applications
Jams, preserves, and traditional preparations
Smoothies and beverage applications
Pequi oil extraction for culinary use
Desserts and baked goods
Traditional medicinal preparations
Perfect Pairings
Honey - natural sweetness balanceCinnamon - warming spice enhancementGinger - warming spice complementCoconut - tropical pairingDark chocolate - intensity enhancementVanilla - classic dessert pairingTurmeric - wellness enhancementAlmonds - texture and nutrient densityLime - brightness and acidity balance
Popular Recipes
Traditional Brazilian pequi jam
Pequi and honey preparation
Contemporary pequi smoothie bowl
Pequi compote with warm spices
Pequi oil culinary application
Pequi and dark chocolate dessert
Traditional pequi beverage
Pequi preserve with spices
Fusion pequi culinary applications
Refreshing Beverages
Fresh pequi juice
Pequi smoothie
Traditional Brazilian pequi drink
Pequi and honey refreshment
Contemporary pequi wellness shot
Pequi herbal preparation
Pequi antioxidant tonic
Safety Information
Allergy Information:
Pequi allergies are rare. Some individuals may have sensitivity to tropical fruits or specific plant families.
Pesticide Concerns:
Pequis from certified growers are typically pesticide-free due to traditional cultivation methods. Purchase from reputable Brazilian sources specializing in traditional fruit cultivation.
Who Should Avoid:
- • People with fruit allergies should exercise caution and test in small amounts
- • Individuals with beta-carotene sensitivity should introduce gradually
- • Those with kidney disease should consult healthcare providers
- • Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers about medicinal preparations
- • Individuals with specific fruit sensitivities should introduce gradually
Possible Side Effects:
- •Generally very well-tolerated in normal amounts
- •The large seed should not be consumed; remove and discard properly
- •Skin contact with unripe fruit may cause temporary irritation in sensitive individuals
- •Excessive consumption may cause mild digestive effects in sensitive individuals
- •Very rare sensitivity reactions in individuals with tropical fruit allergies
Preparation Safety:
- • Wash fruits thoroughly under running water before consumption
- • Remove large seed completely before eating or processing
- • Do not consume seed; discard or compost properly
- • Scoop flesh directly with spoon for easy consumption
- • Store properly to prevent rapid ripening or mold development
- • Purchase from certified, reputable sources ensuring food safety
Fun Facts
Surprising trivia you'll love!
Pequi has been used by Brazilian indigenous peoples for centuries as both nutritious food and natural remedy for vision and health
The fruit's exceptional vitamin A content (116% DV) makes it one of the most vitamin A-rich tropical fruits globally
Pequi oil is highly valued in traditional Brazilian medicine for skin health and nutritional applications
The fruit is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture and is considered a national treasure in certain regions
Pequi has a large, woody seed inside that was historically used for traditional crafts and tools
Modern Brazilian entrepreneurs are developing pequi-based products globally, bringing traditional Brazilian wellness to international markets
Pequi trees can live for over 200 years, making them long-term ecosystem contributors
The fruit's carotenoid content rivals or exceeds carrots, making it exceptionally valuable for vision health
Pequi fermentation techniques create traditional Brazilian beverages with enhanced nutrient bioavailability
Research increasingly validates Brazilian traditional knowledge about pequi's superior health benefits and comprehensive nutritional profile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pequi and where does it come from?
GeneralPequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a distinctive tropical fruit native to Brazil and Central South America. Valued for centuries by indigenous Brazilian peoples, pequi is celebrated for its exceptional vitamin A content (116% DV), distinctive creamy flavor, and traditional medicinal properties supporting comprehensive vision and immune health.
What are the nutritional benefits of pequi?
NutritionPequi delivers exceptional vitamin A (116% DV per 100g) for vision support, high vitamin E (14% DV) for antioxidant defense, excellent minerals including manganese (15% DV) and copper (20% DV) for bone and immune health, and healthy fats for nutrient absorption. At 87 calories per 100g with comprehensive antioxidant protection.
Is pequi good for vision health?
HealthYes, pequi is exceptional for vision health with 116% DV vitamin A from beta-carotene for optimal eye function, exceptional carotenoid content for cellular protection, and vitamin E for eye tissue health. The comprehensive antioxidant profile makes pequi highly effective for vision support and age-related eye health.
How does pequi taste?
GeneralPequi has a distinctive creamy flavor with slightly bitter notes and rich texture. The taste is unique and complex, sometimes compared to a combination of carrot and avocado with nutty undertones. Brazilian varieties are more traditional, while other regional varieties have subtle flavor variations.
What is the glycemic index of pequi?
NutritionPequi has a moderate glycemic index of 52 and very low glycemic load of just 3 per 100g serving. Combined with excellent fiber content and healthy fats, this makes pequi suitable for blood sugar management, stable energy, and sustained satiety.
Where can you buy pequi?
ShoppingFresh pequis are available at Brazilian markets, Latin American specialty grocers, and tropical fruit retailers (October-December peak season). Year-round options include frozen pequi puree, dried pequi, pequi oil, and supplements from Brazilian retailers, health food stores, and online specialty markets.
What traditional uses does pequi have?
HealthPequi is deeply embedded in Brazilian culinary traditions, folk medicine systems, and cultural practices. It's traditionally used in jams, medicinal preparations, oil extraction, culinary applications, and wellness practices. Modern research increasingly validates traditional Brazilian uses in vision health, immune support, and comprehensive vitality.
How should pequis be prepared?
RecipesEat fresh pequi raw by cutting in half, removing the large seed, and scooping flesh with a spoon. The distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with honey, warm spices, coconut, and traditional Brazilian ingredients in both traditional and contemporary recipes.
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Environmental Impact
Sustainability insights
Sustainability Overview
Pequi cultivation supports Brazilian agricultural traditions and Amazon region ecosystem preservation. Support sustainably cultivated pequi from certified growers honoring traditional farming practices and biodiversity.
Carbon Footprint
Locally harvested pequi in Brazilian regions has minimal carbon footprint. Choose locally sourced fruits from Brazil over distant imports to reduce transportation impact while supporting regional farmers.
Water Usage
Pequi cultivation requires moderate water suitable to tropical climates. Support rain-fed or sustainably irrigated cultivation over water-intensive alternatives.
Local vs Imported
Purchase from Brazilian producers to support traditional livelihoods, maintain cultural food practices, preserve agricultural knowledge, and minimize global carbon footprint.