Pequi fruit remains a culinary staple of the Brazilian Cerrado

The pequi fruit, a staple of the Brazilian Cerrado, is a significant culinary ingredient in regions such as Goiás and Minas Gerais. Known for its strong aroma and vibrant yellow pulp, it is used in various traditional dishes, including rice, meats, sauces, and even sweet recipes like pamonha and liqueurs.

Due to its unique structure, consumers must exercise caution when eating it. The fruit contains a hard pit covered in thousands of fine spines. Traditional consumption involves holding the pit and using the front teeth to gently scrape off the pulp; biting directly into the pit can cause injury to the tongue or gums.