Blighia sapida

The Ackee tree, scientifically known as Blighia sapida, is a tropical evergreen tree native to West Africa. It is renowned for its distinctive fruit, the Ackee, which is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and holds a special place in the culinary traditions of the region. However, the Ackee fruit comes with a unique caveat - it must be harvested and prepared with care due to its toxic properties when unripe. In this guide, we'll explore the Ackee tree, its characteristics, cultivation, culinary uses, and safety precautions. Ackee: Jamaica's National Fruit: The Ackee tree holds the prestigious title of being Jamaica's national fruit. It was declared the national fruit of Jamaica in 1995, symbolizing its significance and cultural importance in the country. This recognition highlights how deeply ingrained Ackee is in Jamaican culture and cuisine, where it plays a central role in many traditional dishes.