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Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit
Smelly Fruit With Great Health Benefits

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Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit | Bonita JamaicaJamaican Stinking Toe Fruit | Bonita Jamaica

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Jamaica has many fruits that are indigenous to the tropical island and one such fruit is the Stinking toe. Doesn’t sound very tasty, does it? You might be surprised, not just by its taste but also by its amazing benefits.

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Hymenaea courbaril (its scientific name), is a very common tree throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. But the Stinking Toe is said it be indigenous to Jamaica and Brazil. Tropical and subtropical areas/regions are where the plant is commonly grown in a variety of habitats. 

The tree can be identified by its broad, medium to large branches and its lofty height of 30 to 45 meters, though this varies according to the specimen.

What is another name for stinking toe?

It goes by several different names including:

  1. West Indian locust
  2. Koubari or Courbaril in Creole
  3. Carao in Asia
  4. Hymenaea courbaril
  5. Jamaican stinking toe
  6. Jatoba, or Guapinol

What is a stinking toe seed?

The fruit's transformation from green to red-brown or dark brown signifies its maturation from young to "fit," or mature. This is how you will know that the fruit is ready to be eaten. This colour is typically the colour of the leguminous, slightly hard, inedible pod or shell.

Although the fruit has a toe-like form, the stinking toe gets its name from the release of the pod's shell, which you may find a little repulsive.

Despite the repulsive smell though, the fruit is very sweet at first bite. However, it does leave quite an unpleasant feel and taste in the mouth afterwards. Almost like a cotton candy being stuck in the mouth, but not in a good way.

Can you eat Jamaican stinking toe fruit?

To eat the stinking toe you simply need to break the pod. The pod is quite hard though, so you might need to use something to break it open. Once you break the pod open you will be hit with the pungent odour, if you can get past that, just break apart the soft, almost powdery pulp and enjoy. 

Uses of Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit

  1. For topical infections
  2. Eaten raw
  3. Used in smoothies
  4. Used for anti-ageing
  5. Juice
  6. Pastries
  7. Furniture (trunk of the stinking toe tree)

For decades, people have utilized the plant's leaves as a natural treatment to treat coughs and sore throats as well as respiratory disorders including asthma and bronchitis.

In addition, blossoms are applied in several methods to cure burns, inflammation, and spasms. It is frequently used by Central American athletes to enhance performance.

Health Benefits of Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit

  • Antioxidants - They block those inflammatory cells that could cause cancer and other disorders. Vitamins A and C, as well as other potent antioxidants, are abundant in stinking toe. Antioxidants also aid in the control and monitoring of inflammation and oxidative stress. Ageing is slowed down by the antioxidants in stinky toe, particularly Vitamin A and C.

  • Anemia Prevention - Iron is abundant in stinking toe. Because of this, iron is absorbed by the body and significantly contributes to the production of haemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells that transports oxygen to body tissues. This avoids anaemia since there is more oxygen present.

  • Antifungal Properties - Strong antifungal capabilities of stinking toe make it the perfect remedy for treating both external and interior fungal infections. These include yeast infections as well as athlete's foot, nail fungus, and urinary tract infections. 

  • Appetite and Energy Booster - People who appear to be lacking in appetite frequently acquire stinking toes. The fruit is also eaten for the energy that it gives your body. As a result, it is frequently used in smoothies by athletes and other physically active people. The presence of minerals, carbs, and vitamins accounts for this.

  • Reduce Eye Diseases - Vitamin A is abundant in stinking toes. Replenishing the cells within the eyes for optimum functionality also lowers the risk of eye illnesses.

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties - Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, Stinking Toe lowers the risk of respiratory tract inflammation, including bronchitis and asthma.

What’s in a Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit:

The stinking toe is packed with nutritional benefits, these include but are not limited to:

  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus

The stinking toe is quite versatile, it’s low in calories and can be helpful to our day-to-day lives. Some other benefits of the stinking toe include its aid in breastmilk production, it’s believed to be an aphrodisiac and it may even help with weight loss.

There seem to be nothing bad about the stinking toe, well except that it looks like a toe and it stinks.

Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit Drink | Photo: Jamaican DinnersJamaican Stinking Toe Fruit Drink | Photo: Jamaican Dinners

the Jamaican Stinking toe Fruit makes a delicious drink, here is the recipe if you'd like to try it.

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References & Sources For Jamaican Stinking Toe Fruit

  1. Stinking Toe - Healthier Steps, https://healthiersteps.com/stinking-toe/  
  2. 12 Reasons to Eat Stinking Toe, https://jamaicans.com/12-reasons-to-eat-stinking-toe/
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