Babassu

/ˌbæb.əˈsuː/ noun

Definition

A large South American palm tree that produces edible nuts with oil used in cooking and cosmetics, found mainly in Brazil.

Etymology

From Tupi (indigenous Brazilian language) 'babaçu' or similar root. The tree is scientifically called Attalea speciosa, and the nuts have been harvested in the Amazon for centuries.

Kelly Says

Babassu palms are so economically important in Brazil that entire communities are built around harvesting and processing the nuts—and unlike logging, sustainable babassu harvesting actually helps preserve the rainforest.

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