The Ojoche Tree in Costa Rica: An Ancestral Legacy and Food of the Future

The ojoche tree (Brosimum alicastrum), also known as ramón or Maya nut, is an emblematic species of Central America with deep roots in Indigenous history and extraordinary potential for food security and environmental conservation. In Costa Rica, its presence is not only part of the landscape but also a testament to resilience and ancestral wisdom. Here, we explore its origins, historical uses, and fascinating facts that make this tree a remarkable species.

Origins and Arrival in Central America

The ojoche is native to tropical regions of the Americas, stretching from Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean. Its natural and human-assisted dispersal brought it to Costa Rica and other Central American countries thousands of years ago. Pre-Columbian peoples, especially the Maya, cultivated it intensively around their cities, not only as a food source but also as a symbol of life and spiritual connection. It was even planted near the graves of important leaders, reflecting its cultural significance.

The species adapted to diverse ecosystems, from humid forests to semi-arid zones, thanks to its tolerance for poor soils, temporary flooding, and droughts. In Costa Rica, it historically grew from sea level up to 1,200 meters in elevation. However, mass deforestation in the 1950s drastically reduced its populations, leaving remnants like the Ojochal de Osa forest in the southern Pacific region.

Uses in Indigenous Cultures

The ojoche was a dietary and medicinal cornerstone for pre-Hispanic cultures:

Sacred Food:

Nutritious seeds: The Maya and other Indigenous groups consumed its seeds roasted, ground, or boiled, comparing them to potatoes or corn. Rich in protein (12–20%), calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B, and E, they surpass corn and rice in nutritional value.

Versatile flour: The seeds were ground into flour and mixed with corn to make tortillas or used as a coffee substitute—a tradition still practiced in rural communities.

"Tree milk": The tree’s milky sap, diluted in water, served as a nutritious drink and was used to stimulate lactation in women and livestock.

Traditional Medicine:

Leaves were brewed into teas to treat respiratory infections, regulate menstruation, and combat osteoporosis. The bark was used as a digestive tonic.

Forage and Timber:

Leaves and branches fed livestock, while its durable wood was used in construction, tools, and crafts.

Curious and Relevant Facts

Survivor of crises: During a severe drought in Costa Rica (1954–1955), the ojoche saved hundreds from starvation. Similarly, after hurricanes Stan (2005) and Félix (2007), it became a lifeline for communities in Guatemala and Nicaragua.

A gendered tree: Ojoche trees are unisexual. Young trees often produce female flowers, but as they mature, they predominantly grow male flowers. Only female trees bear fruit, and some do so year-round.

Pink sap: When exposed to air, the tree’s white sap oxidizes and turns pink—a magical quirk of its biology.

"Food of the poor": Despite its exceptional nutrition, the ojoche was historically stigmatized as a "poor people’s food," overshadowing its potential as a superfood.

The Ojoche Today: Conservation and Revival

In Costa Rica, organizations like the Ojochal Women’s Association (Asociación de Mujeres de Ojochal) and the Casa del Sol in Guanacaste lead efforts to revive this species. They promote its cultivation as an eco-friendly economic alternative, leveraging its ability to regenerate degraded soils and provide habitat for wildlife.

Internationally, initiatives like the Maya Nut Institute have reintroduced its use in communities, blending tradition with culinary innovation.

Conclusion: An Ally for the Future

The ojoche is more than a tree—it is a living legacy of Indigenous cultures, a model of climate resilience, and a solution to food insecurity. Its story in Costa Rica reminds us of the importance of preserving native species and honoring ancestral knowledge. Would you try ojoche flour tortillas or a coffee made from its seeds? Nature always holds answers!

Sources: El Mundo Forestal, Global Press Journal, ITTTO.