Stinking Toe (Tinking Toe)

Stinking toe refers to the large seedpod of the West Indian Locust tree, Hymenaea courbaril, also known as the stinking toe or old man's toe tree. This tree is one of the largest in the Caribbean. The seedpods resemble large, fat toes, and while the mealy pulp around the seeds emits a foul smell, it is surprisingly edible and tastes quite good.

The fruit is brown and shaped like a large toe. Its shell is hard and challenging to break open. Inside, the substance is dry, hairy, powdery, and yellow. The seed mirrors the shape of the fruit but is smaller in size. When the shell is cracked open, it releases a nearly unbearable odor. Despite this, the locust fruit's flavor is delightful, making it difficult to stop at just one once you start eating it.

Stinking Toe

Stinking Toe

The fruit of the Stinking Toe

The fruit of the Stinking Toe