Pijuayal

Pijuayal is a common name for the peach palm tree (Bactris gasipaes) and its fruit in certain regions of South America, particularly in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The fruit, also often called "chontaduro" or "pijuayo" depending on the region, is a drupe that is typically cooked before being eaten.

The peach palm is a palm tree native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It's a multi-stemmed palm, often reaching heights of 20 meters. The fruit is highly nutritious, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

After being cooked, pijuayal fruit is often eaten with salt or honey. It's also used to make beverages, flour, and animal feed. The tree itself is also valued for its wood, which is dense and durable. In some indigenous cultures, the peach palm holds cultural and spiritual significance. The cultivation of pijuayal is important for both subsistence and commercial purposes in several South American countries.