by johnah on November 25, 2020
What Is An Earpod Tree?
An ear pod tree (enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a type of evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America. They are one of the most common trees found in the Amazon rainforest, but they grow throughout much of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. They have been cultivated for their wood for centuries.
The leaves are generally dark green with white stripes running through them. These leaves are used for making paper, baskets and other items.
Ear pods (entolobium cyclocarpum) are actually tiny, round fruit-bearing capsules that resemble miniature pine cones. Each pod contains several seeds.
They contain no oil or sap, so they cannot be eaten directly; however, they can be dried and ground into flour to make bread or cornmeal for cooking purposes. They may also be used to make incense sticks or tea bags.
How To Identify An Elephant Ear Pod Tree?
Elephant ear tree (enterolobium cyclocarpum) photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Elephants use these trees for resting during long walks. Photo credit: © Jens Linder/Wikimedia Commons.
These plants are not just found in the Amazon rainforest, but also in Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. There are many different species of elephant ear tree, each with its own unique characteristics.
Some are shrubs, while others reach up to 25 feet in height. They have long, broad leaves that resemble a hand with fingers spread wide. The leaves are generally dark green in color with white stripes running through them.
They also have small, round fruit-bearing capsules that grow in bunches much like grapes. Each capsule is about the size of a pea and contains a number of tiny seeds.
What Are The Benefits Of Using The Enterolobium
These seeds are known to have antioxidant properties, so using them in cooking can help prevent or slow down conditions caused by oxidative stress, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Some people use the seeds as an ingredient in facial scrub to help eliminate acne and blackheads. Others have found that chewing on the seeds helps freshen bad breath.
In South America, the tree’s wood is used in furniture and other items that will be exposed to moisture or water. The tree is also used for making paper.
How To Use The Enterolobium?
Enterolobium seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a mild, nutty taste that makes them an excellent addition to baked goods, such as breads and muffins. They can be used to make a healthy snack food by coating them in melted chocolate.
They can also be used as an ingredient in various soups, casseroles and stir-fries. They may also be ground into a flour and used to make tortillas or flat breads.
The seeds can also be used in many different types of beverages, including tea, coffee, smoothies and other drinks.
Enterolobium seeds can be purchased from some specialty food stores or online.
Enterolobium cyclocarpum – A tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest. Its seeds may be used as a healthy food ingredient.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Enterolobium?
No significant side effects have been reported.
Some people may develop an allergy to enterolobium, which can cause an itchy rash, redness or hives on the skin. Allergies can typically be identified by itching, weeping and reddening of the skin.
In more serious cases, people may experience difficulty breathing, vomiting or collapsing.
Sources & references used in this article:
NOTES ON THE SPECTACULAR EARPOD TREE ENTEROLOBIUM CYCLOCARPUM (JACQ.) GRISEB. IN UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA by MS HISHAMUDDIN, SY LEE, YC PERN… – THE MALAYSIAN …, 2018 – researchgate.net
Trees for urban use in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by TH Schubert – 1979 – books.google.com
Cancer Chemopreventive Properties of Sulfated Enterolobium cyclocarpum Extract by AM Gamal-Eldeen, H Amer, AA Alrehaili… – Nutrition and …, 2020 – Taylor & Francis
Development policy, forests, and peasant farms: reflections on Huastec-managed forests’ contributions to commercial production and resource conservation by JB Alcorn – Economic botany, 1984 – Springer
HYACINTH MACAWS (ANODORHYNCHUS HYACINTHINUS, PSITTACIDAE) FEE-DING ON TERMITES by GA de Paula, R Laps, E Fischer – Ornitología Neotropical, 2017 – academia.edu
Amphibian Survey: Amphibian Abundance within the University of Central Florida’s Natural Lands by A Fontanez, A Kurtz, A Lawrence, D Smith, S Moran – reports.aashe.org
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