Alicastrum (Brosimum alicastrum) fruit and seeds, the source of MayaNut™ roasted seed flour
Alicastrum • Brosimum alicastrum • Roasted seed flour

Alicastrum (Brosimum alicastrum)

Alicastrum is a tropical tree whose edible seeds can be dried, roasted, and milled into a warm, flavorful seed flour. At The MayaNut Company, we craft MayaNut™ roasted seed flour for smoothies, açaí bowls, baking, and everyday cooking.

Vegan Naturally Gluten-Free Paleo-Friendly Caffeine-Free Nutrient-Dense

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.

In one line: Alicastrum seeds can be roasted and ground into a versatile, caffeine-free seed flour used in drinks and baking.

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
Dietary notes: MayaNut™ flour is naturally vegan and naturally gluten-free, and it is caffeine-free. If you have celiac disease or severe sensitivities, confirm facility handling practices for your needs.

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.

FAQ

Is MayaNut™ flour a nut?
No. MayaNut™ flour is made from roasted seeds of the Alicastrum tree (Brosimum alicastrum).
Is it gluten-free and vegan?
It is naturally vegan and naturally gluten-free. If you have strict medical needs, confirm cross-contact handling practices.
Does it contain caffeine?
No—Alicastrum seed flour is naturally caffeine-free.
What does it taste like?
Roasted and warm, with a gentle cocoa-like note. It’s easy to blend into sweet or lightly spiced recipes.