Natives of South and Central America Eat Tagua Nuts
The natives of Central and South America rainforests eat the tagua nut when they are immature and sweet and pulpy. Although they are not available in the states, these nuts are a main source of food for the natives. The nuts are also a main source of heat and income when mature.
The tagua nut produces a hard ivory (called vegetable ivory) when dried for 3 to 5 months. They are split with a hack saw (or machete) to get to the center which provides the beautiful ivory.
If you ever visit the rainforest you may want to try the tagua nut to eat, but if you would rather have a beautiful piece of ivory then go to the site and look at what the tagua nut becomes when carved by a talented artist!