Buriti
Buriti or Miriti (scientific name Mauritia flexuosa) can grow up to 30 meters high and has a stem of up to 50 cm in diameter. This tree blooms almost all year round, specially from April to August. The fruit production is intense: according to Embrapa’s data, five to seven bunches are produced per year, each of them with 400 to 500 fruits.
There are male and female buritis. The male buriti produce bunches that only result in flowers; and the female buriti the flowers become fruit.
However, it is necessary wait one year, cause the fruits will be ripe and ready for the harvesting period which happens between December and February.
Buriti supplies edible palm hearts, but rarely used in this condition. The pulp oil is good to cook and the pulp after fermentation become wine. The fruit can also feed animals.
As a good source buriti fruit is rich vitamin C and energetic.
It is one of the main sources of beta-carotene, an important substance for the synthesis of vitamin A which is present specially in fruits and vegetables that vary from yellow to red, because it is the reason of the fruit color change.
There are also properties that protect from ultraviolet rays and relieve the redness caused by the sun rays, buriti oil is can be used as sunscreen and after sun lotion.
Besides health benefits, buriti tree is a source of income for many people. The buriti fiber it can be possible produce handicraft items, such as bags, rugs, jewelry, tablecloths and even hammocks.
