Pejibaye
Bactris gasipaes
Fruit: has to be cooked for 1-3 hours in salt-water before consuming. Is delicious with mayonaise and coffee. Heart of palm: harvested from the inner core of young shoots (also called palmito), used raw or cooked. Seeds: edible when roasted or boiled
Rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and Vitamin A (as beta-carotine). Contains protein, healthy fats, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Digestive health, Skin and eye health from beta-carotene
Fruit production: 5 x 5 meters Heart of palm: Closer spacing possible (2–3 meters), especially in intensive systems or with clonal propagation.
Fruits: ~3 to 4 years after planting. Heart of palm: Can be harvested earlier, around 2 to 3 years, but it kills the shoot unless using clonal/multi-stemmed types.
