Zorrillo: a multiuse tree from the tropical domestic orchard

Abstract

This technical note aims to contribute to the knowledge on the use and management of the Centrum racemosum tree (El Zorrillo), in order to highlight its potential benefits for the human diet. To this end, an exercise was carried out to observe and record testimonies from the community of the Canton of Puriscal in Costa Rica, to highlight characteristics of its planting and preparation of culinary recipes. The peasants reported that the Zorrillo can reach up to 12 m in height, and even in Colombia heights of up to 25 m have been recorded, although it is more frequent to find them in their shrubby condition (2-5 m). Their reproduction can be asexual, through the preparation of stakes and the dispersion of their seeds occurs by action of the wind and birds. The preparation of its leaves is accompanied by ingredients such as potatoes, onion, salt and butter and although this is a species that has been traditionally consumed by Costa Ricans. It is necessary to develop research regarding aspects related to its agronomic management, nutritional value and digestibility.
Keywords: Centrum racemosum; leaves, culinary use.