What is Alicastrum (Brosimum alicastrum)?
Alicastrum (Brosimum alicastrum) is a long-lived, fruiting tree in the fig family (Moraceae). It produces a substantial seed that can be cooked, dried, roasted, and milled. When roasted, the flavor becomes warmly toasted with a gentle cocoa-like character—ideal for sweet or savory applications.
Where does it grow?
Alicastrum is native to tropical regions of Mexico and Central America and is also found across parts of the Caribbean. In its native range, it grows in a variety of forest habitats and is valued for resilience and usefulness as a food tree.
As a cultivated food tree, Alicastrum is attracting modern interest for agroforestry and regenerative farming systems because it can support biodiversity and provide an edible harvest.
Seeds and roasted flour
The seed is the focus for MayaNut™ flour. A typical seed-to-flour workflow is:
- Harvest mature seeds
- Dry for shelf stability
- Roast to develop aroma and flavor
- Mill into a fine roasted seed flour
This roasted flour can be used like a flavor-building ingredient: it adds body and a warm roasted depth to smoothies, bowls, oatmeal, pancakes, muffins, and more. Many people also enjoy it stirred into hot water or milk alternatives as a caffeine-free, roasted beverage-style drink.
Nutrition overview
Alicastrum seed flour is often described as nutrient-dense because it contains meaningful amounts of dietary fiber and several minerals. Nutrient composition varies by harvest, processing, and milling, but the roasted seed flour is commonly discussed for:
- Fiber (helps support satiety and gut-friendly eating patterns)
- Micronutrients such as calcium, potassium, iron, and other minerals
- Plant-based nutrition suitable for vegan and many paleo-style approaches
How to use MayaNut™ roasted seed flour
Start simple and adjust to taste. A practical starting point:
- Smoothies / bowls: 1–2 tablespoons
- Oatmeal / yogurt: 1 tablespoon stirred in
- Baking: mix into dry ingredients to add roasted depth
- Warm drink: whisk into hot water or milk alternative with cinnamon/vanilla
Flavor pairings that work especially well: banana, cacao, cinnamon, vanilla, dates, oats, and coffee-like spice profiles—without caffeine.