Borojó: Properties, Benefits and Uses of the Tropical Superfruit
- Great energy contribution: Rich in carbohydrates such as fructose and glucose, the pulp serves as a natural source of energy, ideal for athletes and people with high physical demands.
- Dietary fiber: Its consumption provides almost 9g of fiber per 100g of fruit, most of which is insoluble, promoting intestinal health and digestive transit.
- Vitamins and minerals: It is a powerful source of vitamin C (essential for strengthening the immune system) and B vitamins (especially B1, which supports energy metabolism and nerve function). It is notable for its mineral content. match (160 mg/100 g), calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and other trace elements.
- Water composition: More than 80% of the fruit is water, which helps keep the body hydrated.
- Presence of polyphenols: Its polyphenols (600-800 mg/100g) have antioxidant and antimicrobial action, capable of acting against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus y Escherichia coli.
- Rich in essential amino acids: It includes tryptophan, lysine, cysteine, leucine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, tyrosine, glycine, arginine, among others, essential for metabolic functions and cell regeneration.
- Bioactive compounds: In addition to antioxidants, it contains tannins, flavonoids, sterols and saponins.
- Acid pH: Its acidity is around 3, which may not be recommended for people with gastritis.
- Low fat: It is practically free of saturated fat and cholesterol.
What is borojo used for?
Borojo is a fruit with very versatile uses and recognized for its value in traditional medicine, food, and cosmetics. Its main applications include:
- Natural energizer: Thanks to its high carbohydrate and mineral content, it's ideal as a supplement for athletes, people recovering, or anyone who needs an energy boost.
- Aphrodisiac: Known as "love juice," especially in Colombia and Panama, it is associated with increased libido and sexual vitality.
- Alimentation and drinks: It's eaten fresh, in natural juices, smoothies, compotes, jellies, candies, wine, and desserts. Its distinctive, acidic flavor makes it ideal for pairing with honey, lemon, or ginger.
- Traditional medicinal treatments: It is used to treat bronchial problems, hypertension, fever, swelling, infections, kidney conditions, malnutrition, cholesterol problems, and as a natural diuretic.
Health benefits of borojo
- Provides immediate energy: Its concentration of natural sugars makes it an excellent option for reducing fatigue and improving physical and mental performance.
- Strengthens bones, teeth and gums: Due to its calcium and phosphorus content, it strengthens bone and dental structure and supports normal breast milk secretion.
- Cardiovascular benefits: Its consumption can help reduce blood pressure and prevent coronary heart disease thanks to its potassium and polyphenol content, which improve vascular elasticity and reduce inflammation.
- Improves kidney function: As a natural diuretic, it helps eliminate toxins and fluids from the body, helping to keep the kidneys healthy (although it is not recommended if there are serious kidney pathologies).
Interesting facts and curiosities about borojó
- In Colombia it is nicknamed "passion fruit" for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, and it is common to find advertisements for "natural Viagra" made with borojo.
- The tree belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae), sharing some energetic qualities.
- The borojo tree ripens completely only when it falls to the ground, which marks the perfect time for harvesting.
- Each fruit can contain between 90 and 600 seeds.
- It is a dioecious plant: there are trees with male flowers and others with female flowers, which implies cross-pollination for fruit production.
- In the regions where it is native, it is sold fresh and in a variety of presentations, even reaching international markets.
How to consume borojo and its basic recipe
In Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, borojó is consumed both fresh and in various culinary preparations. It is most commonly enjoyed in energy juice, compotes, jams, candies, and artisanal wines.
Easy recipe to prepare natural borojo juice
- Extract the pulp from a ripe borojo.
- Place the pulp in the blender along with 500 ml of water and a tablespoon of honey.
- Blend for two minutes, strain to remove the seeds, and if you want a fluffier texture, blend again for an additional minute.
- Serve cold. You can combine it with lemon, ginger, or more honey to soften the acidic flavor.
This juice is highly nutritious and is especially recommended for athletes, seniors, vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a natural energy and vitality boost. Remember to consult your doctor before changing your diet if you have any specific health conditions.
Discovering and harnessing all the benefits of borojó can make a noticeable difference in your well-being and your daily diet. Its combination of energy, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber make it a tropical superfruit worthy of incorporating into the modern diet, providing vitality, cardiovascular health, immune protection, and even aphrodisiac properties. Give borojó a try and experience its benefits firsthand, whether in the form of juice, compote, facial mask, or in your favorite recipes.
