The crisp, neon yellow aguaje palm fruit, covered in maroon scales, tastes like carrots but packs three times the vitamin-A punch. It's enjoyed raw or cooked and sold as juice, popsicles, and in ice cream.

National Geographic grantee Nigel Smith, an Amazon fruit expert, says the aguaje might someday find popularity in overseas markets since it's tasty and abundant. It's also easily made into juice and other treats, and relatively simple to transport.