Baru ChoCho
Baru Nuts, Chocho, Yacon:
Treasures from Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador
In the verdant embrace of Brazil, the Andes, and Ecuador, there lies a triad of culinary treasures - Baru Nuts, Chocho Lupin, and Yacon Syrup. These exceptional ingredients, distinguished by their unique flavors and rich nutritional profiles, not only embody the essence of their respective regions but also exemplify the bond between humanity and nature.
BARU
Natives of the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna), Baru nuts offer a flavor symphony that resonates with the very heartbeat of this diverse landscape. Their taste, a harmonious blend of earthy profundity and nutty richness, is reminiscent of peanuts, but without aflatoxins which cause allergy in so many. With a satisfying crunch, one is transported to the untamed Brazilian Cerrado (savanna), a biome known for its biodiversity and ecological significance. For Brazil, the native habitat of Baru nuts, their cultivation has immense ecological value, promoting reforestation and sustainable land use, safeguarding the Cerrado's extraordinary biodiversity, and ensuring a more harmonious future for this vibrant nation.
CHOCHO
In the Peruvian highlands, the Chocho Lupin takes center stage, a botanical gem hailed for its unique and exquisite flavor. Resembling a petite bean, the Chocho enchants the palate with its delicate nutty essence, accompanied by subtle notes of grassiness. Its intrinsic value extends beyond the gustatory realm; it is a nutritional powerhouse, abundant in protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. As a traditional source of sustenance for the Andean people, Chocho has lent them strength at dizzying altitudes. This little legume's cultivation fosters soil regeneration and resilience in the Andean ecosystems, promoting sustainability and safeguarding the region's agricultural heritage. It is as if the Andes themselves have whispered their secrets into the essence of Chocho.
YACON
Derived from the indigenous Yacon root in Ecuador, Yacon Syrup embodies the sublime balance of nature's sweetness and earthy resonance. Its flavor, a gentle duet of honeyed notes with an earthy undertone, reflects the fertile soils of the Andes. This golden elixir finds a place in diverse culinary applications, bestowing depth and sweetness upon an array of dishes, from delicate pastries to savory sauces. Beyond its culinary versatility, Yacon Syrup offers a nutritional advantage with a low glycemic index, making it an excellent alternative to refined sugars. The cultivation of this precious syrup also fosters sustainability, preserving Ecuador's profound connection between its people and their bountiful land.
CACAO
As we seek to harmonize this nourishing exploratory culinary experience, Baru, ChoCho and Yacon find synergy with cacao, the coveted bean of the rainforests, in our little NYC kitchen. The peanutty crunch of Baru and the delicate lupin notes of Chocho, combined with the complex sweetness of Yacon intertwine seamlessly with the deep, complex flavors of cacao, creating a truffle that is a harmonious masterpiece, celebrating the union of nature's gifts and artistry of humble craftsmanship. In this union, we savor not only the flavors of these remarkable ingredients but also the celebration of the lands from which they hail, promising a sensory journey that is at once indulgent and transformative; adventurous yet comforting.