Pejibayes: A Costa Rican Savory Snack

What exactly is the pejibaye?  These little cuties grow on a type of palm tree and these palm trees produces large clusters of fruit called pejibaye, or "peach palm fruit".  This is the same type of palm tree that produces the hearts of palm "yum" that are often used in salads. Pejibaye are a highly nutritious fruit that tastes so savory it feels more like a vegetable.  Several, even though they are small make a substancial meal. During the season, they can be    purchased at any fruit stand or farmer’s market for around $2 a kilo.

Pejibayes only grow in tropical zones, they are very popular in many countries in Central and South America. This delicious treat is easy to prepare, but it takes time. The fruit must be boiled for several hours. I've been using my crockpot on high for approximately 3-4 hours and I personally enjoy them warm.  Some like them cold.  Before you eat them remove the skin and slice them in half,remove the small pit and voila! The best way to eat them is with a little salt and believeit or not: mayonnaise. The taste is an odd mix of a cashew, a chestnut, and a sweet potato; savory and satisfying.


Pejibayes are an excellent breakfast or snack. They are full of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Each fruit also contains 2.6 grams (about a tenth of an ounce) of protein. They have a good amount of magnesium, potassium, and zinc. 

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