Morro Seeds and Seed Oil

Mature Morro seeds are embedded within a syrupy mass of pulp. This pulp possesses a unique and pungent, yet pleasant, scent that can be described as a mix of fruity sweetness, leather, and licorice. This unique smell serves to attract foraging animals to ripe fruits, to act as seed dispersers. During pre-historic-times the fruit was consumed by megafauna like giant sloths, today the only animals strong enough to break open the Morro shells are horses and cattle.

pulp and seeds of ripe Morro fruit. Image by Jingwen Sun

Morro pulp is rich in unique compounds that are responsible for Morro’s traditional therapeutic uses. Morro has been used to treat colds, respiratory problems, and range of other conditions since the time of the ancient Maya civilization.

pulp being washed from Morro seeds. Image by Jingwen Sun

In order to obtain seeds for planting, medicinal uses, or oil extraction the pulp must be washed off by soaking the seed balls in water over night and carefully separating the seeds from the pulp.

cleaned Morro seeds ready for oil processing. Image by Jingwen Sun
close-up of kernel Inside Morro seed, oil is visible. Image by Jingwen Sun

Once dried and cleaned of pulp Morro seeds are ready for planting or further processing. Various traditional medicines local to Central America call for ground up Morro seeds. They are also used as a flavoring agent in local versions of the drink horchata.

Morro seeds are rich in oil that is suitable for hair and skin care, either as a direct treatment oil or as part of a formulation. The oil possesses a milder version of the smell possessed by the pulp, is high in antioxidants, and rich in a wide variety of phyto-compounds.

Scott Meadows-Chowdhry

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Developing Botanical Materials and Supply Systems

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