Colombia is a country with a great diversity of fruits, some of them unique in the world, it has around 433 native species. However, many of them are in danger of extinction due to various factors such as deforestation, climate change, lack of conservation and interest on the part of consumers and producers. It is for this reason that it is important to know about these endangered fruits and take measures to protect them before it is too late.

The fruit diversity in Colombia is a natural heritage that must be preserved and protected. Many of these fruits have nutritional and medicinal properties that are unknown to a large part of the population. Furthermore, its disappearance could have serious consequences on the ecosystem and the country’s economy.

Some of the fruits that are in danger of extinction are: Chontaduro, sapote, arazá, loquat, cape gooseberry, madroño and curuba.

Borojó is a fruit native to the Chocó region, known for its aphrodisiac and medicinal properties. However, its cultivation has decreased drastically due to forest clearing and lack of commercial interest. It is important to highlight that, in addition to its cultural and gastronomic value, borojó is a valuable resource for the economy and the environment.

Chontaduro is a typical fruit from the Pacific region of Colombia, known for its sweet flavor and high nutrient content. Despite being an important source of food for local communities, its cultivation has declined due to deforestation and lack of government support. Additionally, chontaduro is vulnerable to pests and diseases, making it more difficult to grow.

The madroño (yellow fruit that appears in the photo) is another of the 32 species of trees on the verge of disappearing and its fruits take a year to mature. Its fruit with cottony white pulp, bittersweet and juicy, grows in Colombia only once per year.

It is important to raise awareness among the population about the importance of conserving these fruits not only for their cultural and gastronomic value, but also for their contribution to biodiversity and the ecosystem in general.

Organizations, farmers and the government can work together to protect these endangered fruits through conservation programs, reforestation, environmental education and promotion of their consumption. Preserving the diversity of fruits in Colombia not only ensures the availability of healthy and delicious foods, but also contributes to keeping the country’s natural and cultural wealth alive.