The tagua nut is one of the unlikeliest of tropical exports. Native to South and Central America, it’s the nut of several related species of palm tree. Its characteristic distinction is that it is very hard and can be carved and polished to closely resemble ivory. The trade in tagua nuts provides an alternative to illicit ivory as well as economic motivation to protect the rain forests of habitat, but it still is a tree nut and can cause allergic reactions.
About Tagua Nuts
The six varieties of tagua palms are known botanically as the genus Phytelephas, which means "elephant plant." They are trees of moderate size, growing to about 20 feet in height. Female trees produce clusters of fruit at their base, which contain the seeds. The seeds are sweet and pulpy when immature and easily can be eaten, but as they ripen the seeds harden. For use as an ivory substitute they’re collected and dried, with the husk removed or not, depending on the desired aesthetic effect.
Uses of Tagua Nut
A single female tagua tree can produce approximately 50 pounds of nuts in a year, approximately equal to one elephant tusk. The nuts can be used by artists and artisans for a variety of purposes, from fine objets d’art to items as prosaic as buttons. Unlike true ivory, the nuts can be soaked in water for a short time to soften them and make them more workable, allowing for finer detail. Once dried, the nuts regain their hardness.
Tree Nut Allergy and Tagua
There are eight foods that account for most of the diagnosed cases of food allergy in the United States, and tree nuts are one of them. Nuts are among the more dangerous allergies, with a high incidence of life-threatening reactions. Given that tagua nuts are worn, rather than eaten, this would seem to be a non-issue, but in some highly allergic individuals, even physical contact with a tree nut can be dangerous. If you have a severe nut allergy, it’s prudent to avoid tagua nut jewelry and inquire about any pieces that have an ivory-like appearance.
Tagua Dust
Because of its use as a craft or jewelry item, the tagua nut poses a threat that most others don’t. Working with tagua nuts creates dust, which again can cause a significant reaction in those with a tree nut allergy. Some artists working in this medium have developed allergies that worsened over time, eventually preventing them from using the nut.
