Tag: Brain fruit

Historically, the 'doctrine of signatures' claimed that plants resembling human body parts could treat ailments for that body part. While this theory is a myth, it inspires many to wonder what type of fruit looks like a brain, and the most common answers are the Osage-orange and the walnut.

Interestingly, several plants produce fruits with an uncanny resemblance to the human brain, but they are very different in origin, edibility, and purpose. This visual similarity has led to nicknames for a few distinct species, commonly referenced when asking what is the brain like fruit.

While the peculiar-looking, green, lumpy fruit resembling a brain is a common sight in some parts of the United States, it is not an edible delicacy for humans. The fruit, officially known as the Osage orange (*Maclura pomifera*), is largely considered unpalatable due to its bitter taste, tough texture, and sticky internal sap.

According to a 2015 study, the MIND diet, which emphasizes brain-healthy foods, substantially slowed cognitive decline in older adults. The answer to "What is brain fruit called?" leads to a peculiar but inedible hedge apple, but the real keys to sharp memory and focus are found in a diet rich with proven, nutrient-dense foods.

According to a study published in the *Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging*, higher walnut consumption is associated with improved cognitive test scores. The walnut, with its distinctive two-lobed kernel that remarkably resembles the human brain, is the dry fruit most famously known as "brain fruit". This resemblance is not a coincidence; walnuts are packed with nutrients that offer significant support for brain health.