Ackee

Ackee fruits, botanically classified as Blighia sapida, are unusual, tropical fruits found on large, evergreen trees belonging to the Sapindaceae or soapberry family. The fruits are native to West Africa and were spread to tropical regions of the Caribbean and Southeast Asia during the 18th century. Despite their naturalization worldwide, Ackee fruits are not commonly consumed due to their toxic and poisonous nature when unripe. Mature arils are the only parts of the fruit that can be consumed, and need to naturally ripen and split open before they are deemed safe for eating. In Jamaica, the fruits are affectionately described as “smiling” or “yawning” when they split open on the trees.

Fruits from ackees range in size from small to medium and have an oblong, oval, or pyriform shape. The fruit's skin or pod has texture, and as it ripens, it changes color from green to a vivid red or orange-yellow. The lobes will also separate as the fruit ripens, revealing reddish-pink membranes with numerous glossy, black seeds clinging to pale arils. When ripe, only the arils are edible; the pods, membranes, and seeds are poisonous and should never be eaten. Arils are firm, and spongy, and range in color from ivory to yellow. They also have a semi-smooth surface. The arils have a little tannic, sweet flavor that is evocative of avocado and almonds when they are uncooked. When the arils are cooked, they develop a soft and delicate nature with a rich, nutty, and buttery flavor.