Ackee

Ackee is the fruit of a West African tree, Blighia sapida, named in honor of Captain Bligh who introduced it to Jamaica. A handsome evergreen, it bears a fruit whose scarlet shell and shiny black seeds alone would make the tree worth cultivating for its decorative aspect. The edible part, sometimes called vegetable brains is the aril, which looks a small brain, or scrambled eggs. It has a delicate flavor and is best known in the Jamaican dish Saltfish and Ackee. Canned Akees from Jamaica are quite widely available in Latin American markets and specialty food shops.