Ackee - aka Akee or Achee - A relative of the litchi (lychee) and the longan. Ackee is a tropical evergreen tree that grows about 30 feet tall, with leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers. Its fruit is pear shaped, bright red to yellow-orange, and when ripe, splits open to reveal three large, shiny black seeds, surounded by soft, creamy or spongy, white to yellow flesh. The fruit of the Achee is NOT edible. It is ONLY the fleshy arils around the seeds that are edible. The remainder of the fruit, including the seeds are poisonous. Canned ackee is sometimes available. Salt cod and Achee is the national dish of Jamaica Come on now, 'fess up... I know I'm not the only one that was wondering what the heck it was!
You should try it, it's absolutely my favourite! There's a restaurant in my town that does it just great.
