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Maya Nut Institute Finding Balance Between People Food and Forests Maya Nut Institute has been working since 2001 to educate rural and indigenous women in Latin America and the Caribbean about the Maya Nut for food and income. This results in an immediate interest in conservation and reforestation of Maya Nut forests. Maya Nut is a nutritious delicious rainforest tree seed that was once a staple food for ancient cultures but is now threatened with extinction due to forest conversion for crops and cattle. Maya Nut is a massive droughtresistant tree which produces up to 800 pounds of seed a year while protecting soils water and wildlife.