Monkey balls, also known as monkey puzzle seeds or monkey nuts, get their unusual name from their appearance. The seeds are round, brown and about the size of a large marble. They have a hard protective outer shell that makes them resemble a small ball or nut.
Origin of the Name
The most commonly accepted explanation for how monkey balls got their name comes from the difficulty monkeys have opening them. The hard outer shell is difficult to crack open, even for monkeys and animals with dexterous hands. When monkeys try to open the seeds, they can roll around frustratingly without the monkey getting to the edible seed inside. It’s like a puzzle the monkeys can’t figure out.
Some other theories suggest:
- The brown color resembles the fur of some monkeys
- Monkeys enjoy playing with the round seeds like balls
- Monkeys like to eat the seeds so the seeds belong to the monkeys
Whatever the exact origin, the difficulty monkeys have with opening the seeds is likely the main reason they are called monkey balls or monkey nuts.
Botanical Information
Monkey balls grow on evergreen trees called monkey puzzle trees. The trees have scaly, spiky leaves and pointed bushy branches. They are native to South America.
Some key facts about monkey puzzle trees:
- Scientific name: Araucaria araucana
- Also known as: Chile pine, pehuén, Chilean pine
- Native to: Central and southern Chile and western Argentina
- Evergreen conifer
- Can grow up to 40-50 m tall
- Long lifespan of up to 1,000 years
- National tree of Chile
The monkey puzzle tree produces large seed cones containing many monkey balls. The cones take 2-3 years to mature. Each cone contains around 200 seeds encased in a hard shell.
Culinary Uses
When the outer shell is cracked open, the inner monkey ball seed has a soft consistency and sweet, nutty flavor. The seeds are edible raw or cooked. They have been part of the traditional diet of indigenous groups such as the Mapuche people in Chile for thousands of years.
Popular ways to eat monkey balls include:
- Roasting – This enhances the sweet, nutty flavor
- Adding to stews, soups, baked goods
- Grinding into flour
- Pressing for oil
The seeds provide nutrients including protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They have potential as a nutritious food source for people around the world. However, monkey balls remain relatively obscure outside South America.
Other Uses
In addition to culinary uses, monkey puzzle seeds have served various purposes for indigenous people over the centuries:
- Jewelry – The seed shells can be strung into necklaces and bracelets
- Currency – Historically used as bartering currency
- Games – Used in traditional throwing and luck games
- Decorations – Seed shells used to decorate fabrics and ceremonial items
The monkey puzzle tree itself also has a long history of uses. The bark has been used for cork. The wood is hard and durable, making it valued for construction. The trees also have ornamental value in landscaping and are cultivated around the world today.
Ecological Role
Monkey puzzle trees and their seeds play several important ecological roles in their native habitat:
- Provide food and habitat for wildlife
- Stabilize soil and prevent erosion
- Part of the basis for the ecological health and diversity of the regions where they grow
Unfortunately, logging and land clearing have depleted native monkey puzzle forests. The trees are now protected in their natural habitat. Efforts are underway to restore their numbers for both ecological and cultural reasons.
Conclusion
In summary, monkey balls get their funny name from the difficulty monkeys have cracking open their hard shells. These unique seeds grow on South American evergreen trees and have been used by indigenous peoples for food and other purposes for millennia. While their outer appearance gave them their odd name, monkey balls are also valued for their ecology and human nutrition when their inner seeds are extracted.