Cupuaçu in Rio de Janeiro 2025

​Cupuaçu is a close relative of cacao—the cocoa tree and is often called 'the taste of the Amazon.' Like its cousin, cupuaçu has a brown shell with seeds inside, only the cupuaçu is a lot bigger (up to 30 cm). Inside the seed pot, there's a tasty, creamy fruit that tastes like a mix of chocolate, pineapple, and bubblegum. The cupuaçu is usually picked between January and April which is the perfect time to try it raw. It's very healthy and nutritional, so it's also often used to make smoothies, ice cream, jelly, mousse, liquor, and a healthier version of chocolate—'cupualte.'