Life from a single seed
World economic and educational poverty are two of the most significant threats to quality of living across the globe. It’s one thing to know there are short term loans and credit repair tools available to address emergency needs, but not knowing can be disastrous.
Such is the case with the Maya nut. CNN reports that there are trees in the rain forests of Central America called Brosimum alicastrum that grow the nutrient-rich nut (high in protein, calcium, fiber, iron and vitamins A, E, C and B), but many of the hungry people of those regions have lost touch with this ancient food source. Instead, acres of rainforests have been plowed under so that crops ill-suited to the climate can be grown.
Studies have found that where the Maya nut tree disappears, 50 to 80 percent of local species are wiped out in six months to a year.
They don’t know
But Erika Vohman has vowed to change that. Raising awareness and use of the Maya nut will improve rain forest conservation and empower the indigenous women. As a part of her work with The Equilibrium Fund she created, Vohman has traveled to Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador to teach women how to harvest, prepare and cook or dry the seeds into good food.
One Brosimum alicastrum tree can produce as much as 400 pounds of Maya nuts a year. Dried, the food source can be stored for up to five years. In countries that suffer frequent drought, this is a lifesaving resource.
Shadows of their ancestors
In the village of Versalles in Nicaragua, women are using the Maya nut for foods like pancakes, cookies, salads, soup and shakes. Used in such ways, the nuts can feed entire communities year-round, regardless of climate changes. Currently, Versalles is one of only 700 communities where “The Maya Nut Revolution,” has taken hold, but thanks to The Equilibrium Fund, that number should grow.
The women of these communities dream of passing on the ancient ways to younger generations.
“These women are responsible for raising the next generation,” Vohman said. “If a woman’s not educated and doesn’t have access to any job opportunities, it makes it really hard. Our workshops [help them] acquire the skills and knowledge to feed their families and better their lives.”
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I was under the impression that a Maya Nut was one of those people who buy that 2012 theory. All kidding aside, that’s a good thing that Erika Vohman is doing. Preserving a valuable food source as well as a keystone plant specie in the rainforests is not only valuable, but critical.
How can I get hold of this seed to grow this tree. I heard that there’s two diferrent variety of it: one from Mexico, only take 4 years before it bears nut but I dont mind having both varaieties. While I have your attention, have you heard of the “Malunggay” tree? Look it up!!!!
Hi everyone, please, how can i too get some seeds of this maya tree that takes 4 years to mature. we a running a community based organisation in rural uganda, east africa and this tree would do wonders. Your assistance in this matter will be appreciated for their is no info online. We are searching for trees to plant that will provide food not just for tree planting. thanks