Exploring Jamaican Food: Tropical Sea Almond

The Jamaican tropical landscape is beautifully decorated with the sea almond tree. Sea almond is one of the many names given to the Jamaican almond tree because it is often found growing near the coast.

While in Jamaica, you may hear the almond tree being called ‘Harmon’ by some locals. The Jamaican almond tree is also known as the tropical almond tree, Terminalia catappa, the West Indian almond tree, and the Indian almond tree. 

The Indian almond or Jamaican almond fruit is deciduous, and its tree has broad, smooth leaves. When the tropical almond tree is ready to shed its leaves, they change from green to red.

For a typical Jamaican, the tropical almond tree is a reminder of their childhood, particularly because of its fruit. The Jamaican almond fruit is oval-shaped and grows to about two (2) to three (3) inches. When the fruit is young, the skin is green, and as it ripens, it becomes yellow or red. There is edible flesh beneath the skin of this tropical almond fruit, and when it is ripe, it has a sweet and tangy taste.

When the fruit falls from the tree, eventually, it will become brown as it begins to dry. The more it dries, the flesh and skin of the fruit start to fade away.

When the Jamaican almond fruit fully dries, its hard husk is exposed. Inside the husk, you will find the almond nut.

How does the Jamaican tropical almond (sea almond) differ from the almond?

The tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) and the almond (Prunus dulcis) are members of two completely different plant families. The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is not grown in Jamaica, while the Jamaican almond tree is abundant and grows wild on the island.

Also, unlike the almond, the flesh of the Jamaican almond fruit is edible. The shell beneath the flesh of the Jamaican almond fruit is also very hard, unlike the thin outer layer of the almond, which is easy to remove.

How do you open the tropical almond fruit?

Jamaican childhood memories are often associated with the cracking of these tropical fruits to get to the almond-like nuts. Cracking the tropical almond is a fun activity for children in Jamaica; however, it is not so fun for the adults.

The Jamaican almond is usually ‘hacked out’ of the husk after eating the flesh of the ripe fruit or after the fruit is dried and it turns brown. Stones are commonly used to crush the hard husk to get to the Jamaican almond. However, this edible seed may break into pieces if the husk is not crushed properly.

To successfully get the Jamaican almond from the husk, place the sharp edge of the fruit down on a flat surface, and then crush it with the stone until there is a cracking sound. Hammers or chopping knives are also commonly used in Jamaica to open the tropical almond fruit.

How is the Jamaican almond (sea almond) eaten?

Once the Jamaican almond is removed from a ripe or dried Jamaican almond fruit, it can be eaten raw. The Jamaican almond is soft, smooth, and tender, with a nutty flavour. This tropical almond may also be roasted to enhance its nutty flavour.

The Jamaican almond is also prepared as a delicious pastry snack called ‘drops‘. A traditional way to prepare the Jamaican almond drops is by boiling the tropical almonds with water, ginger, and sugar until the mixture gets thick and sticky. The mixture is then dropped onto a clean banana leaf and left to cool, after which it’s ready to be eaten.

What are the benefits of the Jamaican Tropical Almond?

The Jamaican almond is rich in nutrients. It is a good source for protein, healthy fats, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

Eating the tropical almond may help reduce body weight, improve blood sugar control, and protect against chronic diseases.

Among the many health benefits associated with the tropical almond tree, its leaves are believed to have antibacterial properties and are often used to treat skin conditions.

There is also scientific evidence to suggest that the leaf of the tropical almond contains a substance that may be effective in preventing cancer.

Disclaimer: The author makes no guarantees as to the curative effect of any herb or tonic on this website, and no visitor should attempt to use any of the information herein provided as treatment for any illness, weakness, or disease without first consulting a physician or health care provider. Pregnant women should always consult first with a health care professional before taking any treatment.

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