The main dish at today’s banquet: “Arroz com Pequi” at my aunt’s house. What is Pequi? This yellow fruit has a strong flavor coming from it’s pulp, characteristic of this central region of Brazil know as “Cerrado” habitat which is similar to Savannah in the US.
It is a seasonal fruit (although treated more like a vegetable) and enjoyed in savory manner. It is very prominent here in the north of MinasGerais where my family is from. They freeze it for me if it’s not in season when I’m here because they know I love it! We cook it directly in the rice, as the taste it leaves behind is very notable and difficult to describe: tastes like a piece of home, MontesClaros, MG.
This fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, best enjoyed out of the hand, gently scraping the pulp off the pit carefully using your teeth. It typically accompanies other dishes such as Carne De Sol, also a typical type of dry salted meat common here. This is a piece if my culture! I hope you enjoyed!
If you are Brazilian, or have a Brazilian friend from the state or Minas Gerais or Goiás, they will know what this precious golden fruit from the “Cerrado” is! Here, it is Montes Claros pride and joy!
Xoxo, Ana
ColorfulFoodie
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