In the last decade of the 20th century and the first years of this one, a little-known fruit became a topic of conversation in almost every home in the province of Las Tunas because of its therapeutic properties, as a natural alternative to conventional medicine.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- This fruit is noni, which was virtually unknown in most provinces and suddenly became highly prized; it was even considered a valuable gift when the innate solidarity among Cubans led it to be passed from one hand to another.
Traces of its immunostimulant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties, among others, remain in the collective memory of the people of Las Tunas. Based on research conducted in Asian countries, it was believed that the plant could neutralize the progression of certain neoplasms in the early stages of the disease.
But little by little, the "miracle fruit" ceased to be interesting and gave way to other fashionable products until it was forgotten. For today's young people, noni is nothing more than a story among family anecdotes, and probably few will be able to recognize it.
However, it now abounds in different parts of the local geography and, in addition to family gardens, it can be found on residential streets and in production units, especially those linked to the national movement of urban, suburban, and family agriculture.
The green-yellow fruits of Morinda citrifolia, its scientific name, are unmistakable. Although their taste and smell are not appealing, many people have consumed them in the form of juices and infusions to eliminate intestinal parasites, lose weight, or improve conditions like asthma, hypertension, migraines, or diabetes.
Native to Southeast Asia, this tree maintains its presence in Las Tunas as part of the traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation; it is available to anyone who decides to use it, seeking relief from ailments or to prevent other conditions.