Embu: benefits of fruit and delicious recipes to include it in the menu

Have you ever heard of embu? It is a small fruit with a rounded shape, a sweet aroma and a slightly acidic flavor. Also called imbu or umbu, its name comes from Tupi-Guarani and means “tree that gives drink”. Learn more about this Caatinga fruit and find out how to include it in your diet.

What is embu?

The embu is a fruit from the umbuzeiro, a tree found in the Caatinga, a dry land region. According to nutritionist Juliana Zanetti (CRN: 19512), from Beneficência Portuguesa in São Paulo, the fruit can be consumed in different ways, either fresh or to make juices, jams and jellies. Even though it is not such a common food, there are no records of risks in its consumption.

5 benefits of embu

Now that you know what embu is, learn about the benefits that consumption of the fruit offers, according to the nutritionist. Check out the list we prepared for you:

1. Nourishing: embu has vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B1.
2. Helps in weight loss: as it is a low-calorie fruit (37 Kcal in 100g), embu helps to lose weight.
3. Antioxidant properties: the fruit fights free radicals, helping to prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and aging.
4. Assists in Collagen Synthesis: Due to this property, embu is beneficial for connective tissue repair and wound healing.
5. Antispasmodic properties: consumption of embu helps in the elimination of gases.

As you can see, there are several advantages to including embu in your menu. Not to mention that you can enjoy the slightly sour taste that this ingredient offers.

Recipes with embu

Now that you know about embu and its benefits, check out these recipes that can be made with the fruit to include it in your diet and enjoy all its flavor.

umbu juice

Practical to make, this is a recipe in which the fruit is blended in a blender, peel and all. Then just strain the juice to separate the seeds. Afterwards, the juice goes back to the blender with the peels, ice and sugar. If you want, you can still add milk to the preparation.

Umbuzada

Learn how to prepare this typical Northeastern drink made with embu pulp, sugar, powdered milk and water. All of this is blended in a blender, which results in a dense, flavorful juice. To increase the umbuzada, you can add condensed milk.

embu ice cream

Keep the heat away with this ice cream. Here, the candy is made with fruit juice, whipped cream, sugar, milk and neutral alloy. The preparation is simple, but yields a refreshing sweet that is perfect for hot summer days.

embu mousse

The mousse is a type of wildcard dessert, after all, it is easy to make and pleases the most varied palates. To improve even more, the recipe only takes three ingredients: embu juice, condensed milk and cream.

Found in Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and the north and northeast of Minas Gerais, this fruit can be a big hit on your table, whether to be consumed fresh or used in recipes. If you liked to know more about embu, also know the benefits of yellow fruits.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.