Cubiu, Indian tomato, maná-cubiu... These are some of the nicknames given to the Amazonian plant Solanum sessiliflorum.
Its fruit resembles a cross between a persimmon and a tomato.
The shrub can reach a height of two metres and its fruit is the part that can be eaten.
It has an oval shape, colours ranging from yellow to red, and a thin and fuzzy skin (just like the peach).
In addition, because it contains little fructose (the sugar found in fruit), many say that its flavour is distinctive and unlike anything we eat on a daily basis.
Because it needs higher temperatures and plenty of water to grow, the cubiu thrives in the Amazon rainforest climate.
Components
Manna is rich in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Its main nutrients are
- Dietary fibre
- Iron
- Phosphorous
- Vitamins A, B5 and C
The fruit also contains 3 times more vitamin B3 than eggplant - and 12 times more than beetroot - which is essential for brain health, skin beauty and for reducing cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels.
Indications
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Nerve cell function
- Headaches
- Migraine
- Depression
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Acne
- Constipation
How to consume cocona
The leaves of the plant, when macerated, produce a kind of green jelly that can be applied directly to the skin, providing all the benefits described above.
The fruit makes a delicious juice, but is also available in capsule or powder form.