PlantOGram now sells Guarana fruit trees. They come from Brazil, and the seeds contain over twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. The white fleshy fruit surrounds dark brown seeds giving the fruit the appearance of an eyeball. It is used just as we use caffeine. It is considered “generally safe” for use as a supplement by the FDA.

The caffeine in the Guarana works as a natural insecticide in the wild. It keeps away plant eating bugs. Birds can still eat the fruit and the seeds pass right through their digestive tracts. They then land in a new location which helps generate new Guarana plants.

While no scientific studies have proven other uses of Guarana, it has been used for many other things. These include weight loss, to enhance athletic ability, as a stimulant, and to reduce both mental and physical fatigue. Guarana speeds up your metabolism which aids in the fat burning process. This is how it helps one lose weight. The boost of caffeine improves memory and cognitive function by decreasing fatigue. It is commonly added to energy and weight loss products. Some also use Guarana to treat low blood pressure and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has also been cited to help prevent malaria and dysentery. More everyday uses of the Guarana fruit include treatment of diarrhea, fever, headache, joint pain, backache, and heat stress.

In general, to consume Guarana, a teaspoon of powder is mixed in a cup of cold water. The powder creates a reddish-brown solution. The taste is pleasant when combined with sugar and in any sugary substance, however it can be rather bitter when eaten alone.

This unique fruit is definitely something to consider growing. While it does require warm temperatures to thrive, it can be grown and kept in a container. It does best in full sun and in temperatures above 60°F. However, keeping it in a container is a great way to still be able to enjoy the Guarana fruit no matter where you live.