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What is Tagua?

Mocoche

Tagua nut also referred to as vegetable ivory is a natural occurring product from the seeds of certain palm trees. When the palm tree is 13 to 15 years old the trunk holds a cob known as “Mocoche” it holds 50-70 water filled capsules. The substance inside is edible; it has a jelly like texture and has a sweet milky taste. Locals drink the liquid inside for its diuretic properties known to cleanse the kidney and liver. It retains this state for approximately 8 months, after 10 months the liquid inside is more like the inside of a coconut and finally when the nut is ripe it falls to the ground and the pockets take on a solidified state/ossify.

“Water filled mocoche, from a freshly opened nut. Approximately 8 months in”
“Mocoche 10 months in; the texture is similar to a coconut”
“Solidified nut once it has ripened; producing what is known as tagua”

Tagua is a highly sustainable resource due to its abundance and minimalist harvesting process. It is non evasive and provides no threat to the local wild life. The nut has been compared to ivory and makes for a great alternative to poaching. In the early years, tagua was used for the production of buttons for apparel. Although, it has since been replaced by cheaper materials like plastic. Tagua in recent years has been used by hobbyists and artisans to create various sculptures and accessories. It has created an economic incentive and has retained a sustainable vision for future generations. Tagua can be dyed into various colors and is great for sculpting. Artisans have made sculptures, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, guitar picks and anything one can imagine.

Mocoche

Why should we care? We need to look after the earth it gives us the resources we need to survive. Fresh water, air and sunlight. By looking towards sustainable and alternative methods we do our part in sticking a wrench in the cog that is our system. Tagua is known to produce a staggering amount of abundant material to work with, you just need an idea and a group of dedicated individuals and the sky is the limit. You have a choice and every decision that you make leaves an imprint on those you encounter. What you choose to do is up to you.

Sofia Vera
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