Superfruit cupuaçu has been called ‘the pharmacy in a fruit’

Unless you grew up in Brazil, you probably aren’t familiar with one of the items on the Robeks menu — an exotic superfruit called cupuaçu (koo-PWAH-sue).

Andrew Zimmern, host of The Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods,” has touted the benefits of cupuaçu to “The Today Show,” saying it is “known in the Amazonian rainforest as the pharmacy in a fruit.”

What is cupuaçu?

It’s a fruit that grows in the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. The brown, fuzzy fruit is about eight inches long and has a hard outer shell, which makes it look like an oblong coconut. Crack the shell open, though, and you’re in for a surprise.

Cupuaçu has an extremely fragrant, creamy, white pulp that smells like a mixture of chocolate and pineapple but tastes more like a mixture of cocoa and banana. The pulp is rich in phytochemicals, and has been credited as an energy booster that can fight signs of aging, strengthen the immune system and improve cardiovascular function.

Cupuaçu’s exotic flavor and health benefits make it a natural fit for Robeks.

Brazilians have been enjoying superfruits like açai, cupuaçu and caja for generations. They credit the fruits for giving them the energy and vitality that the country is famous for.

We added both cupuaçu and caja to our menu in 2010 — which made us a trailblazer, again, in the United States.

Robeks has already helped popularize pomegranate and açaí, spreading the word about their unique flavors and health benefits.

“Our customers are mindful of their bodies and adventurous, so we’re always searching for ways to give them something new, nutritious and delicious,” president and CEO Steve Davidson says.

Robeks knows that the best way to help people improve their diets is to make it easy to get a nutritious meal. Robeks smoothies are made to order and ready in minutes, so customers get fast food convenience without “Super Size Me” health side effects.

Cupuaçu is seasonal and available only at select locations. Click here to find your nearest Robeks location.