"Black Bean" seed pod
Australian rainforest tree's seed pod - it is huge - size comparison with a one australian dollar coin.
Castanospermum australe
Common names: Moreton bay chestnut, Black Bean.
Native to Australian (Queensland) rainforest
Despite these seeds being very poisonous, they were a traditional food source for Australian aborigines, who valued their protein, fat and fibre content. To remove the toxins and make the seeds edible, they were steamed, then sliced very finely and rinsed in running water for two to three days before being pulped and eaten like rice. Note: This is a simplified version of the traditional preparation techniques: we do not recommend anyone eat Black Bean seeds, without the correct preparation.
Indeed, I would prefer Macadamia nuts which is native to Australia as well !
On Explore 19 June 2008 #306