BT-081 · Rubiaceae

Huito

Genipa americana

Evidence: TraditionalGenerally safe

Henna in Anatolia, huito in the Amazon: on two continents, temporarily colouring the body is part of the ceremony.

Other names: Jagua, genipapo
Part used: Unripe fruit
Region: Amazon
Use: Ritual and shamanic, Food, Healing

Photo: Dorcas Queen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

In short

What is Huito?

Huito (Genipa americana) is a plant of the Rubiaceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon. Part used: unripe fruit.

What is Huito used for?

Traditional use: Juice from the unripe fruit is painted on the body; within hours it turns blue-black and lasts two weeks. Scientific evidence: traditional. Its colour comes from genipin, which reacts with skin proteins to form a blue-black colour.

Is Huito safe?

Safety label: generally safe. Generally safe; can rarely cause allergy.

Traditional use

Amazon

Juice from the unripe fruit is painted on the body; within hours it turns blue-black and lasts two weeks. Patterns are drawn for ceremonies, hunting and protection.

Amazon

The ripe fruit is eaten and made into drinks and liqueur.

In nature

Where it grows: Humid forests of the Amazon basin and tropical America.
Harvest season: Fruit ripens all year, mostly in the rainy season.
Local names: No Turkish folk name. Local names: huito, jagua, genipapo

Mix-up risk

“Jagua tattoo” products on sale sometimes contain synthetic dyes such as PPD, which can cause allergy.

Preparation

The unripe fruit is grated and squeezed; designs drawn with the juice darken in a few hours.

What science says

Its colour comes from genipin, which reacts with skin proteins to form a blue-black colour. It is now also used as a food colouring.

Safety

Generally safe

Generally safe; can rarely cause allergy.

Culture bridge

Dye written on the body. Henna on the hands at the kına night in Anatolia, huito on the body in Amazonian ceremonies. Both dyes are temporary marks that last a few weeks. Read the comparison →