Malabar chestnut, botanically called Pachira Aquatica, is a tropical wetland tree native to Central and South America. Also known as the Guiana chestnut, French peanut, Provision tree, Saba nut, Monguba (Brazil), Pumpo (Guatemala), or Money tree, it is primarily an ornamental plant, often associated with good fortune and prosperity in some cultures, especially in East Asian countries.
Moreover, the plant is valued not only for its decorative purposes but also for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Let us understand more about this exotic chestnut cousin, its uses and a simple recipe.
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What Is Malabar Chestnut?
Malabar Chestnut became widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia. The name Malabar chestnut may have come during its introduction to these areas, where tropical plants from diverse regions were named to fit local contexts. A tall tree in its natural habitat, the Malabar chestnut thrives in warm, humid climates and can grow up to sixty feet. It has large, shiny green leaves with striking, fragrant flowers. Its fruits are large with woody pods containing chestnut-like edible seeds. In feng shui, the money tree is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity and is placed in homes or offices to attract good luck.
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What Are Its Health Benefits?
Nutrient-rich Malabar chestnut is high in protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Here are its health benefits:
Supports Heart Health
The seeds contain unsaturated fats, beneficial for cardiovascular health by helping reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). Potassium in the seeds supports healthy blood pressure regulation.
Boosts Energy
The combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the seeds provides a good source of sustained energy, making it a valuable food for people in need of a natural energy boost.
Promotes Digestive Health
The seeds contain fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. It is also good to promote gut health.
Helps In Diabetes Management
The low glycaemic index and presence of complex carbohydrates in the seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Combats Inflammation
Imbued with anti-inflammatory properties, extracts of this plant have been used to treat minor wounds, insect bites, and skin inflammation.
Keeps The Immune System Strong
Some parts of the Malabar chestnut plant are known to have antimicrobial effects, which can support immunity and combat infections.
Good For Skin
The seeds and other parts of the plant are a good source of skin-healthy components like vitamin C and compounds that have antioxidant properties. All these promote skin health.
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Culinary Uses Of Malabar Chestnut
Malabar chestnut seeds are edible and can be used in various ways in cooking. With a mild, nutty flavor, they taste like chestnuts or peanuts, fresh seeds can be eaten raw, but people usually incorporate them into both savory and sweet dishes. Here is how they are used:
Roasted: The seeds can be roasted until golden brown giving them a crunchy texture and enhancing their nutty flavour. Lightly salted or spiced roasted seeds can be eaten as a snack.
Boiled: The nuts can be boiled to make them softer, and they can be eaten as a side dish or added to soups and stews, like boiled beans. The young leaves and flowers of this plant are edible and can be cooked as a vegetable.
As Flour: Dried and ground chestnut can be made into flour and used for baking or as a thickener in soups and sauces.
In Curries And Stir-fries: Malabar chestnut can be cooked with vegetables and spices. Roasted seeds of the nut can be tossed into salads for a crunchy texture.
In Desserts: Malabar chestnuts can be candied or used as a topping for desserts, such as cakes or puddings.
As oil: The seeds are versatile and can be added to various dishes, used in baking, as a coffee substitute, or even pressed for deriving essential oil.
Caution
While the seeds are generally considered safe, it is important to ensure that the trees of this plant are not treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Also consuming large quantities of raw seeds may cause digestive discomfort for some people so they should be consumed in moderation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using Malabar chestnut for medicinal purposes, especially if you have specific health conditions or are pregnant.
Here is a simple recipe for these nutrient-dense exotic Malabar chestnut seeds.
Malabar Chestnut Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiled Malabar chestnut
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium garlic sliced onion
- 2 cups mixed veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or green beans
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sesame seeds and spring onions for garnish
Method:
- Boil Malabar chestnut in salted water for ten minutes
- Heat vegetable oil and add the garlic and onion to the pan
- Stir until the onions become translucent
- Add the mixed vegetables and fry them well
- Stir in the cooked Malabar chestnut seeds
- Drizzle with soy sauce
- Mix well to coat everything adding the salt and black pepper
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavor
- Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Pachira aquatica Seed Grown in Nigeria
Afolayan S. Sunday
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349223771_Nutritional_and_Phytochemical_Properties_of_Pachira_aquatica_Seed_Grown_in_Nigeria
https://brisbaneediblegardening.org/2023/03/28/malabar-chestnut-saba-nut-or-money-tree/
